General Authorisation

Introduction

Under Section 4 (1) of the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Authorisation) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 306 of 2003), any person intending to provide an electronic communications network or service shall, before doing so, notify the Regulator of his intention to provide such a service.
Under Section 4 (5) any undertaking which fails to comply with section 4 (1) or section 4 (4) (notification of any changes to the information supplied) is guilty of an offence.
General Authorisations replaced the basic and general telecoms licences and some individual wireless telegraphy licences, issued prior to July 2003.

Who needs to apply for a General Authorisation

Any person may provide an electronic communications network and/or service in Ireland, provided they have notified the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), in advance.
Under the terms of the Authorisation Regulations, operators are free to commence operations once a completed notification has been received by ComReg, but operations are subject to the conditions set out in a General Authorisation. There may also be a requirement to hold a spectrum licence depending on the service you intend to provide.

The process is very straightforward. ComReg will accept notifications either on line or by hard copy. We will assess all notifications, but require receipt of signed hard copy of a declaration before sending out confirmation of authorisation by us.
We will also enter the company details and services being provided, on the Electronic Register on our website.

Definitions of Electronic Communications Networks and Services

Electronic communications network and electronic communications service are defined in the European Communities (Electronic Communications networks and Services) (Framework) Regulations 2003 (SI no. 307 of 2003) as follows:
"Electronic communications network" means transmission systems and, where applicable, switching or routing equipment and other resources which permit the conveyance of signals by wire, radio, by optical or by other electromagnetic means, including satellite networks, fixed (circuit-and packet-switched, including internet) and mobile terrestrial networks, electricity cable systems, to the extent that they are used for the purpose of transmitting signals, networks used in radio and television broadcasting and cable television networks irrespective of the type of information conveyed.
An "electronic communications service" is defined as a service normally provided for remuneration which consists wholly or mainly in the conveyance of signals on electronic communications networks, including telecommunications services and transmission services in networks used for broadcasting.

Apply on-line for a General Authorisation

There are some documents on our website that you should read before registering with us.
Document 03/102r is a sample for guidance on completing the notification, and Document 03/81R1 outlines the conditions for the provision of Electronic Communications Networks and Services.

Additionally registration can be performed on-line.

Please remember to print out and sign the Declaration at the end of the process, and post to ComReg:

Electronic Communications
ComReg
Abbey Court
Irish Life Centre
Lr Abbey St
Dublin 1
Ireland

Amendments

For existing General Authorisation holders who wish to amend their current registration (i.e change of contacts, services, etc) please email : notify@comreg.ie with the relevant information to update your listing.