About Us
Roles
ComReg is the statutory body responsible
for the regulation of the electronic communications sector
(telecommunications, radiocommunications and broadcasting transmission)
and the postal sector. We are the national regulatory authority for
these sectors in accordance with EU law which is subsequently
transposed into Irish legislation.
Our remit covers all kinds of transmission networks including:
- Traditional telephone wire
- Traditional television and radio
- Radio Communications including fixed wireless
- MMDS and deflector operators providing TV services
- Mobile operators providing voice and data services
- Licensing Framework for Satellite Services in Ireland
- Postal delivery network
Responsibilities
ComReg is an organisation which
has a wide range of responsibilities in telecommunications (or
electronic communications services and networks as it is more
accurately described), posts and spectrum management. We implement
three major Acts in the arena of telecommunications, thirteen in the
area of wireless telegraphy and spectrum management, and numerous
statutory instruments covering all three sectors.
We are responsible for promoting competition, for protecting consumers and for encouraging innovation. Our job involves dealing with complex issues of law, economics and technology, and ensuring that our decisions are taken fairly and are clearly explained. ComReg operates as a collegiate body, with decisions taken collectively by the Commissioners. We see this as important in fulfilling the spirit of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002, which established the Commission.
In summary, the Commission fulfils the following roles for promoting competition, for protecting consumers and for encouraging innovation.
Encouraging Innovation
This role covers both
regulatory innovations, such as implementation of market reviews under
the new European regulatory framework, and technical innovations. The
role covers the revision of ComReg's spectrum strategy, new initiatives
in the wireless licensing area, and the promotion of Ireland as a test
bed for innovative uses of spectrum. It will also cover the development
of a forward-looking telecommunications regulatory strategy, taking
into account new technical, economic and regulatory trends. The
evolution of postal services and the associated regulatory framework
will also be covered.
Protecting and Informing Consumers
This role covers both business and residential consumers, as well as
major consumer representative organisations, and will span
telecommunications, spectrum licensing operations and postal services.
It includes all regulatory developments which affect retail consumers,
including the application of the consumer protection provisions of the
Universal Service and Postal Directives. The Commission provides
proactive consumer information measures, such as consumer guides and
comparative pricing Websites, and implements a consumer care function
on behalf of all consumers of electronic communications and services.
[The Commission also oversees the strategic development of a Licensing
Operations function, which deals with more than 16,000 licences per
annum.]
Promotion of Competition
This role involves
enabling maximum competition in Broadband, Voice and Voice over
Internet Protocol through a range of measures, including LLU,
bitstream, wireless broadband (including mobile wireless broadband),
cable and alternative infrastructure. It also includes promoting
enhanced competition in mobile via MVNO entrants, reviewing and (where
appropriate) making adjustments in the fixed network wholesale pricing
regime, and overseeing operators' compliance with obligations under the
regulatory frameworks for telecoms and spectrum.
Further Details are available at www.comreg.ie
