Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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112. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps taken to identify those parts of the country most seriously affected by a lack of a telecommunications service or by a deficient telecommunications service in respect of all forms of all electronic communication, wireless and otherwise; the extent to which adequate infrastructure and investment has been made to address such deficiencies which have shown that in some cases, access to broadband and mobile telephony is non-existent; if the various agencies, bodies, statutory or otherwise, responsible have set out fully their proposals to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31753/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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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.

In terms of improving the quality and coverage of mobile services in all areas throughout the country, there are various initiatives underway to achieve this aim.

The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising both fixed and mobile networks. This includes some €850m invested in acquiring spectrum under the 2012 Multi-Band Spectrum Auction run by ComReg. 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.

While investment in communications infrastructure and services is primarily a matter for the private sector, the National Broadband Plan (NBP) commits to a range of actions that will facilitate the more efficient commercial investment in the rollout of communications infrastructure.

The NBP is a Government policy initiative which aims to deliver high speed broadband to every citizen and business in Ireland. This is being achieved through a combination of accelerated commercial investment by telecoms operators, and a proposed State intervention to provide high speed broadband to those parts of the country where the commercial sector will not invest.

The NBP proposed Intervention Strategy document, which was published on 15 July last, sets out a series of detailed proposals by Government in respect of the proposed State intervention. It sets out the key elements of the intervention - what services are proposed and how they will be delivered. It outlines various aspects of the proposed intervention including the type of network envisaged, the minimum speeds being demanded, the length of the contract for services, and whether the network should be public or privately owned.

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, 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 service 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.