Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

517. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any report has been undertaken to assess the quality of mobile telephone services country wide; if attention has focused on any particular areas, urban or rural where poor quality mobile telephone service has been identified; the steps he will take to address this issue which he inherited from his predecessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27336/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The provision of telecommunications services in Ireland generally occurs within a competitive liberalised market. The provision of mobile telecommunications networks within that market is also subject to a requirement to secure the necessary wireless telegraphy licence to access the required radio spectrum. The terms and conditions of the required wireless telegraphy licences and the associated monitoring of compliance by licensed providers with those terms and conditions are matters for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which is responsible for regulating both the postal and telecommunications markets. ComReg, which is accountable to Committees of the Oireachtas in accordance with s34 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002, is independent in the exercise of these functions.

I am confident that with the continued significant investment being made by the mobile operators, including the imminent roll-out of 4G services, the overall quality of telephone and broadband services will continue to improve. I am aware also that in addition to its 4G rollout plans at least one mobile operator has announced plans to upgrade its network, particularly in rural areas, providing enhanced voice and broadband services.