THE first quarterly progress report on the 2018 Work Programme of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Implementation Group demonstrates the good progress made in alleviating telecommunications deficits in Ireland, pending roll-out of the National Broadband Plan State Intervention.
This was the observation of Minister Denis Naughten and Minister of State Seán Kyne in a joint statement this afternoon (Monday).
Minister Naughten said, “We have achieved a lot since establishing this Taskforce in mid-2016, and the publication of this report reflects the momentum that was built up throughout 2017. We have continued to concentrate on how best to resolve mobile coverage black-spots, particularly in rural areas and a focus group has been established dedicated specifically to guide policy in that regard. We are also continuing to engage with industry and local authorities in a mapping exercise to identify priority black-spots across the country. I am also encouraged by the substantial work done by ComReg – such as mobile handset testing, and ongoing work to develop a composite national coverage map – to ensure customers are better informed before making decisions on products and services.”
“We won’t be sitting back, or lose momentum or focus. The Taskforce’s achievements to date have laid solid groundwork and I expect customers will see a real difference and real benefits as work continues on the delivery of the Taskforce Work Programme.”
Minister of State Seán Kyne said, “The work of the Taskforce is critical to improving mobile phone and broadband coverage in rural Ireland. Industry, Government and stakeholders are working effectively together to drive real change – capturing mobile phone black-spots is just one tangible outcome of the process, but it is the incremental changes that are making the real difference – updating regulations, fostering closer relationships between industry and government, as well as producing updated guidance documents for telecommunication companies.”
Quarterly progress reports will continue to be produced on the status of actions outlined in the Work Programme, and will be published on both Departments’ websites.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.