ComReg has a legal requirement to ensure the efficient management and use of the radio spectrum. To achieve this objective, ComReg has developed a strategy with regard to radio spectrum which includes a number of strategic goals, namely:

• Facilitating access to radio spectrum, particularly for innovative technologies and services;
• Maximising the economic and social benefits arising from the use of radio spectrum;
• Promoting the efficient use of scarce radio spectrum resources; and
• Ensuring compliance with international requirements and the avoidance of harmful interference.

ComReg’s spectrum strategy sets out a forward-looking high level plan for developing use of the radio spectrum over the next 2 to 3 years. It also reflects international and regional developments including developments that occur at World Radiocommunication Conferences.

The strategy is updated periodically to reflect changes in markets, technology and demand for radio spectrum for different applications. A key purpose of the strategy is to consider future demand for spectrum and whether any changes to the way spectrum is managed and allocated to different services are required to meet demand growth.

ComReg’s current spectrum strategy Document 05/72

The strategy is developed in the context of the global, regional (European) and national regulatory framework that governs spectrum use in Ireland. The strategy comprises a number of strategic goals in relation to each of the above areas along with a number of issues in relation to specific radio services that require consideration in order to meet the broad strategic objectives.

In terms of ComReg’s goal to facilitate access to radio spectrum ComReg aims to:

• Ensure flexibility and ease of access to radio spectrum to accommodate technological advances and market factors in order to leverage Ireland’s competitive advantage;
• Adapt the allocation of, and access to, the spectrum resource to provide spectrum that best meets the needs of the user;
• Be a European leader in the adoption of new and innovative wireless services;
• Support and promote innovation, research and development in new radiocommunication techniques, spectrum-based services and applications;
• Review current procedures with a view to bringing licence duration more in line with investment cycles, noting that a radio licence does not confer ownership nor a continued right to a particular radio frequency;
• Ensure that current licensing schemes are appropriate and simple to use and administer so that licences can be issued quickly;
• Continue encouraging and authorising radiocommunication system trials and new technology experiments in frequency bands appropriate to the intended applications and subject to the availability of suitable spectrum.

In terms of ComReg’s goal to maximize economic and social benefits of spectrum use ComReg aims to: 

• ComReg will seek opportunities to promote the use of radio/wireless systems to enhance Ireland’s international competitiveness and to promote competition at home in infrastructure and services;
• ComReg will continue to consult regularly and widely on spectrum issues in order to have the benefit of industry and other stakeholders’ views when making decisions;
• ComReg will continue to ensure that spectrum continues to be available to meet the needs of public safety, emergency services and safety of life services in view of their vital role in the safeguarding of human life, property and national security;
• Where appropriate ComReg will seek to liberalise the constraints applied to spectrum rights of use, to permit deployment of alternative technologies or services, where harmful interference does not result;
• ComReg will seek opportunities to promote the take-up of the innovative test and trial licence scheme in order to position Ireland as a manufacturing base and test-bed for wireless system testing and service trials.
• Where appropriate ComReg will facilitate and encourage the use of wireless technology to support regional development objectives

In terms of ComReg’s goal to promote the efficient use of scarce spectrum resources:

• ComReg seeks to optimise use of the spectrum resource by encouraging the use of spectrum efficient radio systems and the use of the most appropriate frequency band for each application in order to maximise spectrum usage in critical frequency bands;
• ComReg is considering further arrangements for the introduction of Administrative Incentive Pricing in order to encourage efficient use of the spectrum, with the intention of bringing the demand for spectrum into equilibrium with its supply;
• ComReg is considering opportunities to permit one or more forms of trading in spectrum rights (spectrum trading) in relation to specific services, to test its appropriateness and operation in the Irish market.
• ComReg will work with Government to expedite the introduction of new legislation to facilitate more effective and flexible use of radio spectrum.

In order to ensuring compliance with national and international requirements and the avoidance of harmful interference:

• ComReg works to protect Ireland’s national interests when harmonising and co-ordinating spectrum utilisation with other countries and regional and international organisations;
• ComReg is committed to planning and managing the utilisation of the spectrum resource in accordance with both national and international legislation;
• Where appropriate, ComReg will require compliance with international agreements on frequency usage and technical standards as a requirement for spectrum access, recognising that these agreements are necessary for harmonious system operation, efficient spectrum management, spectrum utilisation, compatibility, competitiveness and avoidance of interference;
• ComReg will continue to represent and promote Irish positions with regard to all radio services in the relevant international fora, at both a regional (European) and Global level, within the EU, ITU and CEPT.

These broad strategic goals are reflected in ComReg’s positions regarding spectrum for specific services.