Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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572. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to help the thousands of persons that have been left without a broadband service as a result of the difficulties their provider (details supplied) is having with a satellite provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25853/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Deputy’s question relates to QSAT, which is a privately owned company operating in a fully liberalised electronic communications market. Regulation of the electronic communications market is a matter for the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) to the extent permitted by law.

ComReg has confirmed that on Wednesday 17 May 2017, it was made aware that Avanti Broadband Limited (“Avanti”) ceased providing wholesale satellite broadband services to its retail partner Alphasat Communications Limited (“QSAT”).

The Regulator understands that to ensure that customers did not immediately lose service on 17 May 2017, Avanti decided to continue providing a satellite broadband service to QSAT customers on a temporary basis until 1 June 2017. However, those QSAT customers are being advised by Avanti, via a service message alert, that in order to continue with their satellite broadband service, without any changes to their terminal equipment, beyond 1 June 2017, that they should contact Bentley Walker, Bentley Walker Limited (“Bentley Walker”) under the brand “Freedomsat”, or another provider, which will take responsibility for customer accounts, if customers wish to enter into a new contract with them. Bentley Walker is also a retail partner of Avanti and provides services similar to those previously provided by QSAT.

The Regulator has stated that in the telecommunications regulations governing this area, service providers are obliged to inform ComReg in the event of a prospective cessation of service.

Customers may also choose to move to another type of access technology if available. ComReg advises consumers that they may also be able to obtain an alternative broadband service by satellite or other technical means and to check out its comparison tool accessible on the ComReg website, at https://

Where a service is terminated, ComReg ensures  that customers are informed on what will happen and to assist customers in receiving service. The Regulator may engage with  the relevant operators to assist customers receive service. ComReg has also made clear that where customers are no longer receiving the service from Avanti, that they should inform ComReg directly. Contact details for lodging complaints are available on the ComReg website. ComReg has confirmed that it will continue to monitor this matter and that it will issue further information as appropriate.