Written answers

Wednesday, 5 November 2014

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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204. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the function retained by his Department in respect of the encouragement of investment in mobile telephone infrastructure here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42380/14]

Photo of Alex WhiteAlex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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As Minister for Communications, one of my key objectives is to ensure that Ireland is best placed to avail of the emerging opportunities provided by the commercial telecommunications sector through the promotion of investment in state of the art infrastructure and the provision of a supportive legislative and regulatory environment. The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband services, and are facilitating the rollout of 3G and 4G mobile services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of mobile voice and data services throughout the country.

While investment in communications infrastructure and services is primarily a matter for the private sector, Government recognises that it has a role in ensuring that barriers to investment are removed where possible. The National Broadband Plan commits to a range of actions that will facilitate the more efficient investment in the rollout of communications infrastructure. These include addressing planning and road opening challenges, assisting in getting citizens and businesses online, measures relating to spectrum policy and maximising the use of State assets where possible.

Since publication of the Plan in 2012, a working group has been established to address infrastructure issues which were identified by industry as creating barriers to deployment of services. The group is chaired by the Department of Transport and includes representatives from my Department, the Local Government Management Agency, the National Roads Authority (NRA) and Local Authorities. The Group is currently reviewing issues relating to the location of telecommunications infrastructure on public roads, particularly motorways, with a view to reducing blackspots and enhancing services. Consultation between the NRA and industry is ongoing on a range of issues relating to the citing of telecommunications infrastructure. Local Authorities also have an important role in assisting the rollout of supporting infrastructure. My Department has worked closely with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to raise awareness of the role of the planning process in facilitating the delivery of telecommunications infrastructure and services.

My Department is also in the process of reviewing national spectrum policy and is currently considering the outcome of a recent public consultation on spectrum policy. Current spectrum policy needs to be revisited as a matter of course and in light of the rapid technological changes and the increased demands on this limited and valuable resource. An important element of this review is to ensure that our legal and regulatory environment supports continued investment in mobile telecommunication infrastructure, which is dependent on access to radio spectrum. It is expected that this review will be completed in the first quarter of next year.

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