Ireland

[IE] Spectrum Management

IRIS 2008-9:1/23

Marie McGonagle

School of Law, National University of Ireland, Galway

As a result of Ireland’s geographic position and low population density, there is an abundance of unused spectrum in Ireland. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has been innovative in the allocation of unused radio spectrum. In 2005, it enhanced its Test and Trial wireless scheme to facilitate the development of new systems in a live environment. In March 2008, ComReg published a proposed strategy for managing radio spectrum (Document 8/20) for consultation. Following the consultation, which was generally positive, ComReg issued its Spectrum Management Strategy Statement 2008-2010 on 1 July 2008. The aim of the document was to “ensure that the maximum strategic, economic and social benefits can be leveraged from use of the radio spectrum by end users.” The economic contribution, for example, made by the use of radio spectrum in 2006 was almost EUR 3 billion, which was equivalent to 1.67% of total GDP.

In preparing its strategy ComReg identified six key drivers, which included existing and new demand from consumers, the imminent establishment of new Government emergency and public safety services, harmonisation with European and International spectrum allocations, expected changes to the European regulatory framework and the requirements of Intelligent Transport Systems. The key tasks for ComReg in 2008-2010, as set out in the statement, include the liberalisation of GSM spectrum, the licensing of DTT, the provision of spectrum for public safety and emergency services, the release of additional spectrum to facilitate broadband and multimedia mobile services and responding to the introduction of a modified European regulatory structure. Details of the strategy for managing the radio spectrum are set out in Section 4 and details of the strategy for specific radio services are set out in Section 5 of the document.

Since the publication of the strategy statement ComReg has published a number of related documents. These include a consultation on the future use of Mobile Radio Spectrum and regulations and application procedures for emergency services licences.