Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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587. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for a fee structure that would support a geographic coverage being applied to the allocation of the 700MHz spectrum band, in view of the role of Minister for Finance under sections 13(5)(b) and 13(6) of the Communications Regulation Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24768/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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A Decision has been adopted at EU level in order to co-ordinate the release the 694-790MHz (700MHz) spectrum band in all Member States by 30 June 2020. This proposal will allow mobile broadband services to use this part of the spectrum band. The EU 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. 

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 my Department's Estimates for 2017, I have secured an €8 million provision for RTE to allow it to free up the 700 MHz band within the timeframe set by the EU Commission.

In consultation with the Commission for Communications Regulation (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 and any terms and conditions attached to any licenses issued, 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.