FAQ's

What is digital switchover / analogue switch-off?

I have a complaint about my television provider – can ComReg deal with it?

I have a complaint about programme content / subtitling - what should I do?

I am picking up interference from what might be a “pirate” radio station, what should I do?

I am experiencing interference on my radio, what should I do?

I want a licence to broadcast a radio service – how do I get this?

1. What is digital switchover / analogue switch-off (ASO)?

Answer: Like the rest of Europe, North America and many other countries, television broadcasting in Ireland is switching from analogue to digital transmission. This is referred to as digital switchover or sometimes as analogue switch off (ASO). The EU has mandated the end of 2012 as the final date for ASO in Europe. Ireland has launched a replacement digital transmission system called “SAORVIEW”, to ensure all Irish audiences can continue to access free-to-air television when the analogue system is switched off. More information can be found at www.goingdigital.gov.ie.

2. I have a complaint about my television provider – can ComReg deal with it?

Answer: Unfortunately not. From the 25th of July 2003, under the European Framework for Electronic Communications Networks and Services, the Commission for Communications Regulation no longer has any legislative basis to deal with broadcasting consumer complaints/queries and does not regulate retail television programme distribution.

3. I have a complaint about programme content / subtitling – what should I do?

Answer: ComReg has no role in the monitoring and / or delivery of content services including subtitling. You should contact the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) if you wish to make a complaint in relation to content services. Further, BAI imposes rules governing the provision of subtitles on the four indigenous channels – RTÉ One, RTÉ Two, TG4 and TV3. The rules state that subtitles must be available between the hours of 7am and 1am 365 days of the year however, no such requirement applies to any other channels. Contact details for the BAI are as follows:

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), 2-5 Warrington Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.
T: + 353 (0)1 644 1200
F: + 353 (0)1 644 1299

E: info@bai.ie
W: www.bai.ie

If your complaint relates to an RTÉ programme you may wish to make your complaint to RTÉ directly on info@RTÉ.ie or complaints.review@RTÉ.ie.

4. I am picking up interference from what might be a “pirate” radio station, what should I do?

Answer: Illegal broadcasting is a criminal offence. So-called ‘pirate’ radio stations may interfere with vital safety of life services such as the fire service, police, ambulance, search and rescue and air traffic control. They may also interfere with legitimate radio stations. Please tell us by calling 01 8049600 or sending an email to compliance@comreg.ie if you suspect that a pirate radio station is causing interference.

5. I am experiencing interference on my radio, what should I do?

Answer: Analogue radios (i.e. those that pick up broadcasts on the FM, MW, LW or SW frequency bands) need a good aerial to guarantee the best sound quality. If you’re quite far from the nearest transmitter it can be difficult for radio signals to go through thick brick or concrete walls, so you might find that putting the radio on a window sill with the aerial near the window glass can help. If the radio is close to an electrical device with a large motor (for example, a washing machine or fridge-freezer) this can also cause interference. Try moving the radio from room to room to see if the reception problems improve or worsen.

6. I want a licence to broadcast a radio service – how do I get this?

In order to obtain a licence to broadcast one must do so by contacting the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) at:

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), 2-5 Warrington Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.
T: + 353 (0)1 644 1200
F: + 353 (0)1 644 1299
E: info@bai.ie
W: www.bai.ie

Further information on ComReg's role in Broadcasting

For the avoidance of doubt, ComReg issues licences containing rights of use to spectrum to RTÉ and to the BAI in respect of broadcasting, as set out in Part 6 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.