Previous Projects

• e-Commerce Corporate Infrastructure Programme

This programme was part of the Government's strategy of removing the barriers of entry to e-Commerce. The programme focused on the provision of infrastructure that would enable companies to transact business electronically throughout the entire supply chain and in virtual business communities, with particular emphasis placed on the inclusion of SMEs and the need to use the learning experiences of the participants to create an awareness of the huge potential of e-Commerce among businesses and consumers.

• VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) Pilot Trial 

The purpose of the trial was to increase awareness of satellite technology for the provision of Broadband access and to enable local industries, public services, education institutions and the broader communities to transact business electronically, independent of geographical location.

• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) Pilot Trials

Pilot trials of WLAN technology was identified as a potential factor for the successful and economic deployment of advanced broadband services. The trials would evaluate WLAN technology as complementary to the existing access platforms and should also enable local industries, public services, educational institutions and the broader communities to obtain access to broadband networks.



Report of the Expert Group on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (2006) (754KB)

An Expert Group on the Health Effects of EMF was established in November 2005 to provide conclusions and recommendations about EMF exposure. The report of this group was published in March 2007. Responsibility for the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields transfared to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government



Founding Ireland's radio spectrum policy for digital broadcasting

In order to progress radio spectrum planning for digital broadcasting services (both TV and Radio) two Regional Radiocommunications Conferences were held in 2004 (ITU Regional Radio Communications Conference 2004, Main 2004 Conference Press Release) and 2006 (ITU Regional Radio Communications Conference 2006, Main 2006 Conference Press Release), the first establishing the framework for the second (Resolutions From First Session). Over 200 countries participated including all European and African countries. Following the 1st Session of the ITU Regional Radiocommunications Conference in May 2004, work commenced internationally to accommodate digital broadcasting within the VHF (174-230 MHz) and UHF (470-862 MHz) broadcasting bands. A consultation regarding digital radio (DAB) and a consultation regarding digital television (DTT) were undertaken with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), RTE and the BCI in order to ascertain items of strategic importance.

The outcome of the ITU Regional Radio Communications Conference 2006 (RRC06) was the Geneva Agreement 2006. During the RRC06 an initial base frequency plan for digital broadcasting came into being. This plan is called the GE06 Plan. It was intended to form the basis of frequency plans for DVB-T and T-DAB in the planning area. The Agreement specifies procedures for modifying the plan or adding to the frequency plan. The Agreement removes protection for analogue TV services in Europe after 2015

Subsequently the telecommunications industry and the European Commission have promoted making available spectrum from 790-862 MHz for mobile and broadband communications as part of a Digital Dividend. The ITU World Radio Communications Conference (WRC 2007) allowed for this spectrum to be shared with the Mobile Service.