Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

30. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address concerns in respect of mobile phone coverage in Border areas (details supplied); if changes being brought in on the 1 January 2021 by the UK Government will have very serious consequences for persons on Irish contracts in Border areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32104/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Providing telecommunication services is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator.

Any complaint regarding the quality of service and coverage issues should be raised directly with the service provider. If the service provider fails to resolve the matter, the issue should be brought to the attention of the Regulator.

ComReg is responsible for ensuring that all providers meet relevant obligations in areas such as roaming alerts. ComReg also has information for customers in relation to roaming on its website:(), including tips on how to avoid inadvertent roaming, should they wish to.

My Department is in ongoing contact with industry and with ComReg and even in a situation where a Brexit deal is not reached at the end of the transition period, it is expected that there  would be no change in consumers' experience of using their mobile phone on the island of Ireland. No operators have indicated  that they have any plans to change current arrangements in continuing to apply the current roam like at home regime.

My Department will continue to monitor the situation closely.