Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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755. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of any recent discussions he or his Department has had with the Commission for Communications Regulation or with mobile telephone companies on the inadequate mobile telephone coverage, particularly in counties Cavan and Monaghan; his plans to improve coverage without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23471/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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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 under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended, and accordingly I have no function in this matter.

Notwithstanding the independent role of ComReg, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the establishment 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 the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in this regard and arrangements are being made to put this in place as a matter of priority.  Discussions have also taken place with mobile operators and with ComReg in relation to the issues impacting on mobile phone coverage and possible measures which could be considered to address deficiencies. These can be considered in the context of the work of the Taskforce.

Licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations. Responsibility for both monitoring compliance and addressing non-compliance with such obligations rests with ComReg. The design of the individual networks is a matter for the operator concerned, although operators tend to exceed their minimum coverage requirements for commercial reasons. 

The provision of services to all customers can be affected by several factors given that mobile telephone services are a radio based technology and therefore 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 also understands that two mobile operators 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. 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.

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.