COVID-19: Temporary Spectrum Management Measures

End of COVID-19 Temporary Spectrum Licensing on 1 October 2022

Document 22/58 – COVID 19 Temporary Spectrum Licensing – July 2022 update and end of COVID-19 temporary spectrum licensing on 1 October 2022

On 5 July 2022, ComReg published Document 22/58. This information notice set out ComReg’s view that, based on current information, there is no basis for considering any further COVID-19 temporary spectrum licensing framework beyond 1 October 2022, noting among other things that COVID-19 temporary spectrum licensing frameworks have always been justified on the presence of COVID-19 Government measures.

In this regard, ComReg observes in Document 22/58 that, since March 2022 there are no Government COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland, and there are no indications that this is likely to change.

COVID-19 Potential Further Temporary ECS Licensing (No.4)

Renewal of Further Temporary ECS Licences (No.4)

By 3 June 2022, each MNO submitted an application for the renewal of their respective Further Temporary ECS Licence (No.4) for the maximum duration allowed under the existing licensing framework (i.e. until 1 October 2022).

Having carefully assessed each of these applications, on 16 June 2022 ComReg renewed each licence as detailed in the table below:

Licensee Commencement Date Expiry Date Spectrum Bands
Meteor Mobile Communications Limited 2 July 2022 1 October 2022 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited 2 July 2022 1 October 2022 700 MHz
Vodafone Ireland Limited 2 July 2022 1 October 2022 700 MHz

Approach to dealing with requests for renewals

On 16 May 2022, ComReg contacted licensees informing them that a completed Application Form (Document 22/22aR) including the necessary supporting information for any renewal is to be submitted to ComReg by close of business 3 June 2022. Following receipt of any applications ComReg will consider the requests for renewal.

Further Temporary ECS Licences (No.4) Issued

Each of the MNOs has submitted an application for a Further Temporary ECS Licence (No.4).

After assessing each of these applications, ComReg has issued licences as detailed in the table below:

Licensee Commencement Date Expiry Date Spectrum Bands
Meteor Mobile Communications Limited 2 April 2022 1 July 2022 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited 2 April 2022 1 July 2022 700 MHz
Vodafone Ireland Limited 2 April 2022 1 July 2022 700 MHz

Further Temporary Electronic Communications Services Licences Regulations (No.4) 2022

The Wireless Telegraphy (Further Temporary Electronic Communications Services Licences) (No.4) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 138 of 2022) were made on 28 March 2022 by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) with the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan.

Document 22/22 – COVID-19: Further Temporary Spectrum Management Measures (No.4)

On 16 March 2022 ComReg published Document 22/22, its Response to Consultation and Decision on a fourth further temporary licensing framework for spectrum rights of use in the 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands.

Alongside this, ComReg also published Document 22/22a, an Application Form for a Further Temporary Electronic Communications Service Licence (No.4).

COVID-19 Potential Further Temporary ECS Licensing (No.4) – Consultation and draft decision

Document 22/17 – COVID-19: Temporary spectrum management measures – consultation and draft decision on a further temporary ECS licensing framework (No.4) for the 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz Bands

Following a common letter from the three MNO’s (Eir, Three Ireland and Vodafone) and additional supporting information as identified in Document 22/02, ComReg, on 4 March 2022 published Document 22/17, a consultation and draft decision including draft regulations to establish a fourth further temporary licensing framework for rights of use in the 700 MHz Duplex and 2.1 GHz Bands.

COVID-19 Further Temporary ECS Licensing – January 2022 update and next steps

Document 22/02 – COVID-19 Potential Further Temporary ECS Licensing – January 2022 update and next steps in considering any further temporary licensing framework

On 19 January 2022, ComReg published Document 22/02. This information notice provides an update on the current COVID-19 temporary licensing framework (under which licences are due to expire on 1 April 2022) and information relevant to the consideration of any further COVID-19 temporary spectrum licensing framework beyond 1 April 2022, including next steps and envisaged consultation timelines regarding same.

Renewal of Further Temporary ECS Licences (No.3)

By 1 December 2021, each MNO submitted an application for the renewal of their respective Further Temporary ECS Licence (No.3) for the maximum duration allowed under the existing licensing framework (i.e. until 1 April 2022).

Having carefully assessed each of these applications, ComReg has renewed each licence as detailed in the table below:

Licensee Commencement Date Expiry Date Spectrum Bands
Meteor Mobile Communications Limited 2 January 2022 1 April 2022 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited 2 January 2022 1 April 2022 700 MHz
Vodafone Ireland Limited 2 January 2022 1 April 2022 700 MHz

Approach to dealing with requests for renewals

On 23 November 2021, ComReg contacted licensees informing them that a completed Application Form (Document 21/96aR) including the necessary supporting information for any renewal is to be submitted to ComReg by close of business 1 December 2021. Following receipt of any applications ComReg will consider the requests for renewal.

Further Temporary ECS Licences (No.3) Issued

Each of the MNOs has submitted an application for a Further Temporary ECS Licence (No.3).

After assessing each of these applications, ComReg has issued licences as detailed in the table below:

Licensee Commencement Date Expiry Date Spectrum Bands
Meteor Mobile Communications Limited 2 October 2021 1 January 2022 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited 2 October 2021 1 January 2022 700 MHz
Vodafone Ireland Limited 2 October 2021 1 January 2022 700 MHz

Further Temporary Electronic Communications Services Licences Regulations (No.3) 2021

The Wireless Telegraphy (Further Temporary Electronic Communications Services Licences) (No.3) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 501 of 2021) were made on 30 September 2021 by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) with the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan.

Document 21/96 – COVID-19: Further Temporary Spectrum Management Measures (No.3)

On 23 September 2021 ComReg published Document 21/96, its Response to Consultation and Decision on a third further temporary licensing framework for spectrum rights of use in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands.

Alongside this, ComReg also published Document 21/96a, an Application Form for a Further Temporary Electronic Communications Service Licence (No.3).

Document 21/87 – COVID-19: Temporary spectrum management measures – consultation and draft decision on a further temporary ECS licensing framework (No.3) for the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz Bands

Following a common letter from the three MNO’s (Eir, Three Ireland and Vodafone) and additional supporting information as identified in Document 21/74, ComReg, on 8 September 2021 published Document 21/87, a consultation and draft decision including draft regulations to establish a third further temporary licensing framework for rights of use in the 700 MHz Duplex, 2.1 GHz Band and 2.6 GHz Bands.

COVID-19 Potential Further Temporary ECS Licensing

Document 21/74 – COVID-19 Potential Further Temporary ECS Licensing – July 2021 update and next steps in considering any further temporary licensing framework

On 9 July 2021, ComReg published Document 21/74. This information notice provides an update on the current COVID-19 temporary licensing framework (under which licences are due to expire on 1 October 2021) and information relevant to the consideration of any further COVID-19 temporary spectrum licensing framework beyond 1 October 2021, including next steps and envisaged consultation timelines regarding same.

COVID-19 Further Temporary Spectrum Management Measures (No.2)

Renewal of Further Temporary ECS Licences (No.2)

In June 2021, each MNO submitted an application for the renewal of their respective Further Temporary ECS Licence (No.2) for the maximum duration allowed under the existing licensing framework (i.e. until 1 October 2021).

Having carefully assessed each of these applications, ComReg has renewed each licence as detailed in the table below:

Licensee Commencement Date Expiry Date Spectrum Bands
Meteor Mobile Communications Limited 2 July 2021 1 October 2021 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited 2 July 2021 1 October 2021 700 MHz
Vodafone Ireland Limited 2 July 2021 1 October 2021 700 MHz

Approach to dealing with requests for renewals

On 21 June 2021, ComReg contacted licensees informing them that a completed Application Form (Document 21/24aR) including the necessary supporting information for any renewal is to be submitted to ComReg by close of business  23 June 2021 . Following receipt of any applications ComReg will consider the requests for renewal.

Further Temporary ECS Licences (No.2) Issued

Each of the MNOs has submitted an application for a Further Temporary ECS Licence (No.2).

After assessing each of these applications, ComReg has issued licences as detailed in the table below:

Licensee Commencement Date Expiry Date Spectrum Bands
Meteor Mobile Communications Limited 2 April 2021 1 July 2021 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited 2 April 2021 1 July 2021 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Vodafone Ireland Limited 2 April 2021 1 July 2021 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands

Further Temporary Electronic Communications Services Licences Regulations (No.2) 2021

The Wireless Telegraphy (Further Temporary Electronic Communications Services Licences) (No.2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 137 of 2021) were made on 25 March 2021 by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) with the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan.

Document 21/24 – COVID-19: Further Temporary Spectrum Management Measures (No.2)

On 22 March 2021 ComReg published Document 21/24, its Response to Consultation and Decision on a second further temporary licensing framework for spectrum rights of use in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands.

Alongside this, ComReg also published Document 21/24a, an Application Form for a Further Temporary Electronic Communications Service Licence (No.2).

Document 21/16 – COVID-19: Further Temporary Spectrum Management Measures (No.2)

Following a common letter from the three MNO’s (Eir, Three Ireland and Vodafone) and additional supporting information as identified in Document 21/05, ComReg, on 5 March 2021 published Document 21/16 a consultation and draft decision including draft regulations to establish a second further temporary licensing framework for rights of use in the 700 MHz Duplex, 2.1 GHz Band and 2.6 GHz Bands.

Document 21/05 – COVID-19 Potential Further Temporary ECS Licensing – January 2021 update and next steps in considering any further temporary licensing framework

On 21 January 2021, ComReg published Document 21/05. This information notice provides an update on the current COVID-19 temporary licensing framework (under which licences are due to expire on 1 April 2021) and information relevant to the consideration of any further COVID-19 temporary spectrum licensing framework beyond 1 April 2021, including next steps and envisaged consultation timelines regarding same.

COVID-19 Further Temporary Spectrum Management Measures

Renewal of Temporary ECS Licences

In early December 2020, each of the MNOs submitted applications for the renewal of their respective Further Temporary ECS Licence for the maximum duration allowed under the existing licensing framework (i.e. until 1 April 2021).

Having carefully assessed each of these applications, ComReg has renewed each licence as detailed in the table below:

Licensee Commencement Date Expiry Date Spectrum Bands
Meteor Mobile Communications Limited 8 January 2021 1 April 2021 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited 8 January 2021 1 April 2021 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Vodafone Ireland Limited 8 January 2021 1 April 2021 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands

Approach to dealing with requests for renewals

On 24 November 2020, ComReg contacted licensees reminding them that a completed Application Form (Document 20/88aR) including the necessary supporting information for any renewal is to be submitted to ComReg by 1 December 2020. Following receipt of any application ComReg will consider the requests for renewal.

Further Temporary ECS Licences Issued

Each of the MNOs has submitted an application for a Further Temporary ECS Licence.

After assessing each of these applications, ComReg has issued licences as detailed in the table below:

Licensee Commencement Date Expiry Date Spectrum Bands
Meteor Mobile Communications Limited 8 October 2020 7 January 2021 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited 8 October 2020 7 January 2021 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Vodafone Ireland Limited 8 October 2020 7 January 2021 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands

Further Temporary Electronic Communications Services Licences Regulations 2020

The Wireless Telegraphy (Further Temporary Electronic Communications Services Licences) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 407 of 2020) were made on 2 October 2020 by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) with the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan.

Document 20/88 – COVID-19: Further Temporary Spectrum Management Measures – Response to Consultation and Decision on a Further Licensing Framework for Spectrum Rights in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz Bands

On 29 September 2020 ComReg published Document 20/88, its Response to Consultation and Decision for the award of further temporary rights of use in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands.

Alongside this, ComReg also published Document 20/88a, an Application Form for a Further Temporary Electronic Communications Service Licence.

Document 20/86R – COVID-19: Further Temporary Spectrum Management Measures

Following a common letter from the Three MNO’s (Eir, Three Ireland and Vodafone),  on 18 September 2020,  ComReg published Document 20/86R a consultation considering the request from the operators to establish a further temporary licensing framework for additional spectrum in the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands and to temporarily liberalise the 2.1 GHz Band.

COVID-19: Temporary Spectrum Management Measures

Document 20/64 – COVID-19 Temporary ECS Licensing – July 2020 Update And Next Steps In Considering Any Further Temporary Licensing Framework

On 21 July 2020 ComReg published Document 20/64. This information notice provides an update on the COVID-19 Temporary ECS Licensing Framework and the next steps in considering any further temporary licensing framework.

Renewal of Temporary ECS Licences

Each of the MNOs recently submitted applications for the renewal of their respective Temporary ECS Licence for the maximum duration allowed under the existing licensing framework (i.e. until 7 October 2020).

Having carefully assessed each of these applications (ComReg Document 20/27aR) ComReg has renewed each licence as detailed in the table below:

Licensee Commencement Date Expiry Date Spectrum Bands
Meteor Mobile Communications Limited 9 July 2020 7 October 2020 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited 9 July 2020 7 October 2020 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Vodafone Ireland Limited 22 July 2020 7 October 2020 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands

Temporary ECS Licences Issued

On 22 April, following receipt of an application, ComReg issued a Temporary ECS Licence to Vodafone Ireland Limited.

On 9 April, following receipt of applications, ComReg issued Temporary ECS Licences to Meteor Mobile Communications Limited and Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited. The form of the Temporary ECS Licences are as set out in  S.I. No. 122 of 2020.

Licensee Commencement Date Expiry Date Spectrum Bands
Meteor Mobile Communications Limited 9 April 2020 8 July 2020 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited 9 April 2020 8 July 2020 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands
Vodafone Ireland Limited 22 April 2020 21 July 2020 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands

Should a Licensee wish to bring on additional sites, they must notify ComReg of this and request an update to the schedule to its licence. Licensees should submit this request to licensing@comreg.ie.

Temporary Electronic Communications Services Licences Regulations 2020

The Wireless Telegraphy (Temporary Electronic Communications Services Licences) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 122 of 2020) were made on 8 April 2020 by the Commission for Communications regulation (ComReg) with the consent of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton.

Document 20/27 – Response to Consultation & Decision on ComReg’s COVID-19: Temporary Spectrum Management Measures

On 7 April 2020, ComReg published its Response to Consultation and Decision for the award of temporary rights of use in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands. ComReg published Annex 2 (Application Form) separately in a writable pdf format as Document 20/27a .

The ESRI shape (.shp) files referenced in footnote 8 of the draft Regulations contained in Annex 3 of Document 20/27 relating to the exclusion zones in the 2.6 GHz Band are provided below.

2.6 GHz Band Exclusion Zones.zip

Document 20/23 – Information Notice and publication of non-confidential submissions received to Document 20/21

On 1 April, ComReg published Document 20/23a with the non-confidential versions of the Submissions to Document 20/21 and an Information Notice inviting a joint proposal from industry on arrangements for managing a number of co-existence issues.

Document 20/21 – COVID-19: Temporary Spectrum Management Measures

On 27 March, ComReg published Document 20/21 a consultation entitled “Covid-19 Temporary Spectrum Management Measures” in which it proposed to release additional spectrum in the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands, to temporarily liberalise the 2.1 GHz Band, which is currently licensed for 3G-use only, and set out the proposed licensing framework for same and sought the views of interested parties.