Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1313. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a universal public service obligation on telecommunications providers in respect of the need to provide adequate and up-to-date broadband telecommunications coverage throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1779/18]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1314. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a universal public service obligation on mobile telephony providers with regard to the need to provide adequate and up-to-date mobile telephone coverage throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1780/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1313 and 1314 together.

The current EU and national regulatory framework for telecommunications allows for the application of a Universal Service Obligation (USO) in respect of fixed voice services. This framework has, in my view served consumers well over several decades and ensured that householders can get an affordable fixed voice service, regardless of where they are located.

There is no universal service obligation (USO) for high speed broadband provision or mobile voice services in Ireland. The current EU and national regulatory framework for telecommunications relates solely to voice telephony and Functional Internet Access (28.8 kilobits per second) and is provided for under the current EU regulatory framework governing telecoms.

There is also no provision in European or national regulation for a USO in relation to mobile voice services.  Mobile operators are however rolling out 3G and 4G networks across Ireland following ComReg’s 2012 Multiband Spectrum auction, with at least one operator now having over 90% population coverage of 4G services.

However, in September 2016, the European Commission published an ambitious new proposal for the regulation of the European telecoms sector (Proposal for a Directive Establishing a European Electronic Communications Code COM 2016/590), which aims to incentivise and encourage increased investment in high speed broadband networks.  I have raised the issue of a USO for high speed broadband at EU level, seeking inclusion of a specific provision in the new framework that would allow Member States to apply a USO for high speed broadband, where such networks are available. Negotiations on the initiative remain live at EU level.

I am aware that the rate of demand for data services has increased over the last five years and this presents a continuing challenge for mobile operators, regulators and policy makers both in Ireland and internationally. Recognising this challenge, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. In July 2016, I established the Taskforce to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers, prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention.

The Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce the December 2016 report available on my Department’s website, which contains 40 actions to alleviate some of the deficits. The Implementation Group, that I co-chair with Minister Kyne is overseeing implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery.

I published the third Taskforce Quarterly Progress Report in November 2017, which demonstrates that good progress has been made in delivering the actions. I plan to publish an Annual Report shortly. These reports show continuing progress and also the sustained level of engagement between actions owners and industry.

This engagement was clear in October at first National Stakeholder Forum in Athlone, which I hosted with Minister Kyne.  It arose from the Taskforce’s recognition that, given the rapid technological change and the emergence of new equipment and solutions to deliver telecommunications services, stakeholders needed an opportunity to raise concerns on impediments to the rollout of services. Issues impacting on rollout were discussed at the Forum, and there were also some new recommended actions for the Taskforce to help improve services to consumers and in preparing for roll-out of the National Broadband Plan network, once contracts are in place.

The Taskforce’s achievements to date include:

- Funding of all local authorities to assign a Broadband Officer;

- Close cooperation with local authorities to develop local digital strategies, including Government working closely with local authorities to identify approximately 320 high speed Strategic Community Access Hubs to be connected at an early juncture after award of the NBP contract;

- ComReg’s development of a testing regime to check mobile handset performance which will inform consumers in choosing products and network services. ComReg will also develop a new network coverage map.

- Most local authorities applying waivers in respect of development contributions for telecoms development.

- Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has constructed 80km of ducting on the M7/M8 corridor and 14km on the N25 in Cork, with more following in the coming months to help expedite infrastructure roll-out. TII is also reviewing the cost of duct access for telecoms.

All of these initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas.