Roles (What we do)

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

ComReg enables competition in the communications sector by facilitating market entry through a general authorisation to provide networks and services and by regulating access to networks so as to develop effective choice for consumers both business and residential. In a rapidly evolving sector, both in technological and commercial terms, ComReg provides the framework for the introduction of new services such as 3G.

The focus of regulation for the postal service in the partly liberalised market is the maintenance of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) and in ensuring that An Post prices are geared to cost.

Our activities are geared to operators and business & residential users of communications services.

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.

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.

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.

About Us