| dc.description | The Commission for Communications Regulation (“ComReg”) is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications (telecommunications, radio communications and broadcasting networks), postal and premium rate sectors in Ireland in accordance with European Union (“EU”) and Irish law. ComReg also manages Ireland’s radio frequency spectrum (“radio spectrum” or “spectrum”) and the national numbering resource. Radio spectrum is the medium by which information may be transmitted wirelessly over distances ranging from a few metres to thousands of kilometres. It is a valuable national resource as it underpins nearly all communications services in the State. These services include mobile and fixed telephony and broadband, radio and television broadcasting, and radio communications used by commercial business and by air and maritime transport. Radio spectrum is also fundamental in the day-to-day operation of the emergency services and defence forces and is a vital input to many other services including important scientific applications, such as weather forecasting and monitoring the Earth’s environment and by the emergency services.
Radio spectrum is thus integral to the ongoing economic and social well-being of the State. The wireless communications sector is estimated to account for approximately 17,000 full time equivalent Irish jobs and spectrum-dependent activities are estimated to contribute €6.2 billion to the economy, which is 3.5% of Irish Gross National Income. However, radio spectrum is also a finite resource, with competing uses and users, and so it must be used effectively and efficiently. Optimised use of radio spectrum depends on proper management of that resource to ensure, amongst other things, that radio communications systems can operate with minimum interference. These systems depend on clear radio channels in order to operate effectively noting that, in some cases, clear and reliable communications are critical to protecting life, health, and property.
ComReg, acting within its legislative remit and its budgetary and staff resources, seeks to ensure that all lawful wireless services and devices in the State are free of interference. Annex 1 of ComReg Doc 18/118 sets out the key statutory provisions under which ComReg manages the radio spectrum resource. | en |
