Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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42. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an analysis is being carried out regarding the entry of a provider (details supplied) to the Irish market. [8193/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Telecommunications service providers are regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which operates independently of my Department. The telecommunications regulatory framework, which ComReg implements, requires electronic communications service providers to notify the regulator in advance of their intention to provide such a service.

Under the terms of the Authorisation Regulations, operators are free to commence operations once a completed notification has been received by ComReg, but operations are subject to the conditions set out in the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Authorisation) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 335 of 2011). There may also be a requirement to hold a spectrum licence depending on the service provided.

This is an operational matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and not one in which I have a role. However, I understand that Starlink Internet Service Limited registered with ComReg in 2020. I welcome the addition of new service providers to the Irish market, which can only be of benefit to customers.