Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1562. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has been made aware of concerns expressed by consumers regarding the coverage and quality of various mobile phone telephone networks; if he is aware of the number of concerns expressed to ComReg; if action has followed such expressions of concern; if he will clarify with whom the responsibility lies for the co-ordination of investment in the infrastructure with a view to providing a mobile telephony service here on par with that available throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32292/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1563. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which his Department or ComReg have identified various blackspots in respect of broadband and mobile telephone services throughout the country where a haphazard service, or in some cases no service exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32293/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1564. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of mobile telephone service providers currently operating under licence or otherwise in this jurisdiction; the extent to which the quality of their service continues to be monitored; if withdrawal of licence is contemplated where inadequate, inferior or insufficient service is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32294/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1565. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware that the regulatory or oversight authorities in respect of mobile telephone services believe that mobile telephone reception in buildings or dwelling houses is not guaranteed; the way this compares with other European jurisdictions where there is clearly a dramatic difference in the quality of service expected and provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32295/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1575. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the quality of mobile telephone services in terms of coverage and quality throughout the country; if responsibility for coverage rests with his Department, the regulator or service providers; in the event of such responsibility residing with the latter, if any provision has been made whereby the customer can expect a quality of service equal to that available throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32306/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1562 to 1565, inclusive, and 1575 together.

The provision of mobile telephony services is subject to a requirement to secure access to the required radio spectrum by way of licence. The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended. Licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations.

However, given that mobile services are a radio based technology, services can be affected by several factors. These include topography, the capacity of the network and more generally the level and quality of access customers have to mobile phone antennas. Difficulties for service providers in erecting masts and antennas due to planning issues can also impact negatively on the quality of coverage experienced by consumers.

Neither I nor my Department has any role or responsibility in the monitoring of coverage or the quality of service being provided by licensed operators. In terms of improving the quality and coverage of mobile services in all areas throughout the country, there are however various initiatives under way.

The telecommunications sector has invested some €850m in acquiring spectrum under ComReg's 2012 Multi-Band Spectrum Auction. Since then, the mobile operators have all continued to invest in rolling out 4G and enhanced 3G services nationwide. These investments are improving both the coverage and quality of voice and data services throughout the country, although I understand that some temporary disruptions to service have been encountered when upgrades are taking place.

As part of the National Broadband Plan, a working group has also been established to address infrastructure issues which were identified by industry as creating barriers to deployment of services generally, which may include mobile services. The group is chaired by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and includes representatives from my Department, the Local Government Management Agency, the National Roads Authority (NRA) and Local Authorities. The Group is currently consulting with industry on a range of issues relating to the siting of telecommunications infrastructure. My Department will continue to actively engage on this issue with a view to facilitating the removal of barriers and the improvement of mobile services nationwide.

Local Authorities also have an important role to play in terms of facilitating the siting of necessary infrastructure such as masts and antennae etc. The Telecommunications and Internet Federation (TIF, which is part of IBEC) has been proactive in seeking to meet with Local Authorities and public representatives to fully discuss the various issues around mobile coverage and the factors that can impact on the quality of service consumers experience.

I would encourage all Local Authorities and public representatives to engage with the TIF on these important issues.