Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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98. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way it is proposed to increase the geographic coverage of the existing 4G network to address blackspot areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49964/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunication services, including mobile phone and broadband 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.

Obligations in relation to mobile coverage are set out in licences granted by Comreg to the mobile operators and ComReg advises that the current minimum coverage obligations are being exceeded considerably by all operators.  ComReg is currently managing the next spectrum award process for wireless broadband services and commissioned studies and technical reports to inform its approach to the award process and the consideration of appropriate coverage and rollout obligations in that context.  These studies are available at www.comreg.ie.

In relation to mobile coverage, ComReg has developed a national outdoor coverage map (available at thislink), which can help consumers choose the network provider that best meets their needs for where they live, work and travel. ComReg has also published the results of tests carried out on mobile/smartphone handsets currently available in Ireland (available at this link). These findings will further allow consumers to make informed decisions based on the handsets which best address their needs.