Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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268. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on his intention to sign regulations to allow ComReg to proceed with an auction of the 3.6GHz spectrum band in early 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31211/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have signed Regulations which will allow ComReg to  proceed with an auction of the 3.6GHz spectrum band in early 2017. This auction will provide an 86% increase in spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless broadband services. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions and I will have no role in the auction itself.

I have also secured €8m in Budget 2017, for the re-purposing of the 700MHz spectrum band, which will allow ComReg, in due course to auction this, and other spectrum bands.

These initiatives, together with the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce aim to enhance the quality of mobile and fixed wireless networks and services across Ireland. Other planning, consumer  and technical measures are being considered by the Taskforce, which has met 11 times, since I established it in July with my colleague, Minister Heather Humphreys. I expect that the Taskforce will finalise its report in December.