Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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797. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of discussions he has had with the Commission for Communications Regulation or with mobile telephone companies regarding the inadequate mobile telephone coverage particularly in County Cavan and in County Monaghan; if he has any proposals to improve coverage without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6073/16]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Conditions regarding levels of mobile telephony coverage to be delivered by Mobile Network Operators are attached to licences issued by ComReg.

Operators tend to exceed these coverage requirements for commercial reasons. However, as mobile services are a radio based technology, services can be affected by topography, quality of handsets, the capacity of the network and proximity to mobile telephone antennas.

Any customer, including those in Cavan and Monaghan, who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider, in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can refer a complaint to ComReg, who will investigate the service provider’s compliance with its contractual obligations.

My Department has contacted ComReg to seek an update in relation to complaints about coverage in counties Cavan and Monaghan. Our understanding is that ComReg has been in contact with mobile operators regarding this issue and is awaiting the outcome of these deliberations.

Upgrades to mobile networks can cause temporary disruptions to coverage, as new equipment is installed and commissioned. The positive outcome of such disruption is, however, a deployment of an improved service. My Department has been advised by two mobile operators that they are in the process of upgrading their networks in the Monaghan and Cavan area. Further significant investment, particularly in 4G technology, is planned throughout 2016.

While investment in communications infrastructure and services is primarily a matter for the private sector, the National Broadband Plan commits to a range of actions that will facilitate the more efficient commercial investment in the rollout of communications infrastructure. To this end, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is chairing a working group with the objective of addressing infrastructure access issues identified by industry. The group includes representatives from my Department, the Local Government Management Agency, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Local Authorities, and 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. The Telecoms and Internet Federation, 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 Telecoms and Internet Federation on these important issues.