Smith vents frustrations over mobile coverage
The poor mobile phone coverage throughout Cavan and Monaghan was again the focus of attention in Dáil Éireann during questions to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when Brendan Smith TD again outlined his frustration and that of his constituents in relation to the 'totally inadequate' coverage.
The Cavan-Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD had asked the Minister for Communications the outcome of any recent discussions he or his department had with the Commission for Communications Regulation and or with mobile telephone companies in relation to the inadequate mobile telephone coverage particularly in Cavan-Monaghan and he also asked the Minister to outline his plans to improve coverage without further delay.
Minister Denis Naughten said that the 'provision of mobile telephony services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). It is subject to a requirement to secure access to the required radio spectrum by way of licence. The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of ComReg under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended, and accordingly I have no function in this matter.
'Notwithstanding the independent role of ComReg, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the establishment of a mobile phone and broadband taskforce which will consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. I am in discussion with my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in this regard and arrangements are being made to put this in place as a matter of priority.
'Discussions have also taken place with mobile operators and with ComReg in relation to the issues impacting on mobile phone coverage and possible measures which could be considered to address deficiencies. These can be considered in the context of the work of the taskforce.
'Licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations. Responsibility for both monitoring compliance and addressing non-compliance with such obligations rests with ComReg. The design of the individual networks is a matter for the operator concerned, although operators tend to exceed their minimum coverage requirements for commercial reasons.
'The provision of services to all customers can be affected by several factors given that mobile telephone services are a radio based technology and therefore services can be affected by topography, quality of handsets, the capacity of the network and proximity to mobile telephone antennas.
'Any customer, including those in Cavan and Monaghan, who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can refer a complaint to ComReg, who will investigate the service provider’s compliance with its contractual obligations.
'My department also understands that two mobile operators are in the process of upgrading their networks in the Monaghan and Cavan area. Further significant investment, particularly in 4G technology, is planned throughout 2016. Upgrades to mobile networks can cause temporary disruptions to coverage, as new equipment is installed and commissioned. The positive outcome of such disruption is, however, a deployment of an improved service.
I would encourage all local authorities and public representatives to engage with the Telecoms and Internet Federation on these important issues,' he said.
Deputy Smith appealed to the Minister to intervene with the Telecommunication Companies and insisted 'that they bring the mobile telephone infrastructure up to the proper standard and give consumers the appropriate level of service for which they are paying heavily'.