General Authorisation

Under Section 4 (1) of the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Authorisation) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 335 of 2011), 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 (6) any undertaking which fails to comply with section 4 (1) or section 4 (5) (notification of any changes to the information supplied) is guilty of an offence.

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. Follow the link to the ERAU Service Register to register your services or network. We will assess all notifications, before sending out confirmation of authorisation within 7 days. Your services will automatically be listed on the Service 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 2011 (SI no. 333 of 2011) 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. If you intend applying for a General Authorisation you should read Document 03/81R5– Conditions of a General Authorisation, which outlines the conditions for the provision of Electronic Communications Networks and Services, before registering with us.