Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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32. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources how he intends to ensure that, in the 21st century, all areas receive 4G internet connectivity under the national broadband package. [16246/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority, in order to ensure that high speed broadband services are available to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming. The formal procurement process for the State Intervention commenced in December 2015.

The Programme for a Partnership Government also 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. My Department is engaging with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the terms of reference for the Taskforce to ensure delivery of the Programme for Government commitment within the timelines set out. It is likely that the Taskforce will involve a number of Government Departments and agencies, as well as engagement with telecommunications operators. My Department has already conducted a number of meetings with vendors and mobile operators to help inform the process and identify what tangible measures can be taken.

The provision of mobile telephony services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). It 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 ComReg and 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.

4G offers potential to deliver better services to people, particularly in rural areas, where the fixed broadband network has not yet been upgraded. There are several ways in which improved wireless broadband and mobile voice services can be achieved. This includes the Government and Local Authorities working to reduce barriers to the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure through better planning laws and processes; and working with telecommunications operators to improve information on various aspects of their activities, including upgrades and changes to their networks. My Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks and this will be a key focus for the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce.

The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract under the NBP is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys will lead on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded. These measures should also assist in the rollout of mobile telecommunications services.

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. ComReg is also planning the further release of spectrum to assist in the rollout of wireless services, particularly in rural areas.