Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

245. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the provisions that have been put in place to ensure that mobile telephone companies are implementing the new roaming charges regime approved by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30705/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the competent statutorily independent regulatory authority for Telecoms and as such is the authority which regulates the Roam Like At Home (RLAH) regime in Ireland which came into effect on 15 June 2017. 

In this regard ComReg’s role includes scrutinising all existing and new mobile market offerings to ensure full legal and regulatory compliance.  I have been advised by ComReg that it wrote to all of the mobile operators reminding them of their obligations under the regulations and asking them what changes they are making to their tariffs to comply with those obligations.

ComReg has also advised me that operators have indicated that the necessary steps are being taken to comply with the new roaming regulations and I understand that the Regulator will be undertaking a review of these tariffs, as implemented, in order to be satisfied with respect to their compliance.

ComReg has also published advice for mobile phone users on its website about the new roaming regime which explains the new price levels and the relevant transparency measures for consumers.

ComReg will monitor the new regime on on-going basis to ensure the operators comply with the new regulations.