Written answers

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Mobile Telephony Services

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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567. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to conduct a once-off national drive test measurement of the State's coverage under the mobile telephone network in lieu of its current measurement of motorways and main roads only. [11339/16]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The management of radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions. Accordingly, I have no statutory function in this matter.

I am aware however that licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations. The design of the network is a matter entirely for the operator concerned although operators tend to exceed their minimum coverage requirements for commercial reasons. ComReg monitors compliance with licence requirements by means of bi-annual drive tests. I understand that current testing is designed to cover all primary and secondary national routes, with measurements being performed on all Mobile Networks.

Notwithstanding the independent role of ComReg, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the establishment within 100 days of a mobile phone and broadband Taskforce which will consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland.  I am in discussion with my colleague Minister Humphreys in this regard and arrangements are being made to put this in place as a matter of priority.

In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband services including acquiring spectrum under ComReg's 2012 Multi-Band Spectrum Auction for rollout of 3G and 4G mobile services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country although I understand that some temporary disruptions to service have been encountered when upgrades are taking place.

The Department is working with  the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the  Department of Environment, Community and Local Government with a view to removing planning and other infrastructure barriers to telecommunications infrastructure rollout.

Given that mobile services are a radio based technology, services can be affected by several factors including 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, and Local Authorities can play a strong role in supporting the roll out of telecommunications infrastructure.

The Government is aware of public frustration with the quality of mobile and broadband coverage. Delivery of the National Broadband Plan and establishment of the mobile phone and broadband Taskforce are therefore top priorities in the Programme for a Partnership Government.

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