Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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688. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has issued a policy or other direction to ComReg under the Communications Regulation Act 2002 in relation to the coverage obligation that will apply to the allocation of the 700M Hz spectrum band; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4382/17]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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690. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the policy directions he has issued to ComReg under the Communications Regulation Acts 2002 to 2015 since taking office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4384/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 688 and 690 together.

The European Commission has brought forward proposals to co-ordinate the release the 694-790MHz (700MHz) spectrum band in all Member States by 30 June 2020. These proposals will allow mobile broadband services to use this part of the spectrum band.

The Commission's Digital Single Market Strategy highlights the importance of this band for ensuring the provision of broadband services in rural areas. The band is particularly attractive for wireless broadband services, allowing higher speeds and greater coverage over long distances. 

The procedure to formally approve the text for a formal Decision agreed in December by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission is underway and is expected to be completed in spring 2017.

In Ireland, the 700MHz band is currently used by digital terrestrial television services (DTT) and the migration of these broadcasting services from this band has not yet happened.

The move to the lower part of the UHF band by the DTT services that currently use the 700 MHz band will require a significant amount of work on the transmission network.

In consultation with ComReg and 2RN (formerly known as RTÉ Networks), my Department is working on a range of issues aimed at delivering a managed migration of broadcasting services from this band within the timeframe available. The aim in Ireland is to achieve the release of this spectrum in advance of the June 2020 date, in co-ordination with the UK.

In respect of the management of spectrum, including the future allocation of the 700MHZ band, ComReg is independent in its functions and I have no role in that process.  Having regard to the independence of ComReg in the matter, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time. I have no reason to believe that any process undertaken by ComReg will not result in the fair allocation of any future spectrum assignment and I expect the outcomes of any such process to provide a level of certainty and transparency for all stakeholders.  A policy direction is neither necessary nor appropriate in the circumstances.

Accordingly, I have not issued nor do I propose to or see any necessity to issue any policy direction to ComReg in this regard.