Radio Communications and Radio Spectrum
A modern economy relies heavily on its communications infrastructure, of which radio services play an important role. The Radio Spectrum is a national resource. It is the backbone for a wide range of activities in sectors including telecommunications, broadcasting, transport, defence, public security, emergency services, research and development, scientific services and hobbies/leisure uses. Spectrum use policy is considered at national and EU level.
National Matters
Spectrum Policy Consultation
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has established a working group on spectrum management to review Ireland’s current system of spectrum management and make recommendations for change. The Working Group includes senior officials of the Department, a Commissioner from the Commission for Communications Regulation and academics.
This group has prepared a consultation paper which is available at the link below
Public Consultation on Spectrum Policy
Comments are welcome and should be submitted before 28/11/2008:
This consultation has now closed
For further information ph. 6782906 or Lo-call 1890 449900 ext. 2906.
Please note that submissions received after 28 November 2008 will not be considered.
European Affairs
Within the European Union there are two committees that handle matters relating to Radio Communications and Radio Spectrum. They are the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) 
and the Radio Spectrum Committee. Meeting documents from these committees are regularly published on their respective websites and their sites are also used for public consultations.
EU Committee Links:
The RSPG aims to consult extensively and in a forward-looking manner on technological, market and regulatory developments relating to the use of radio spectrum in the context of EU policies on electronic communications, transport and research and development. Such consultations involve all relevant radio spectrum users, both commercial and non-commercial, as well as any other interested party. In addition to the calls responses to the Commission are also available on the site.
- 29 July 2008: Public consultation on the draft RSPG Opinion on "Streamlining the regulatory environment for the use of spectrum"
- 10 June 2008: Public consultation on the draft RSPG Opinion on “Aspects of a European Approach to Collective Use of Spectrum”
- 01 November 2006: Public consultation on the draft RSPG Opinion on “EU Spectrum Policy Implications of the Digital Dividend”
15 May 2006: Public consultation on a coordinated EU spectrum approach for scientific use of radio spectrum
- 15 May 2006: Public consultation on the Introduction of Multimedia Services in particular in the frequency bands allocated to the broadcasting services
- 24 June 2005: Public consultation on Wireless Access Platforms for Electronic Communications Services (WAPECS)
- 28 June 2004: Consultation in the context of the development of an RSPG Opinion on priorities and objectives for the Community in the World Radiocommunications Conference 2007
- 09 February 2004: Public consultation on secondary trading of rights to use radio spectrum.
- 04 February 2004: Public call for consultation in the context of the development of a RSPG Opinion on the spectrum implications of a switchover to digital broadcasting.
- 13 October 2003: Public call for input on the work programme of the RSPG.
If you would like to view these consulations and the relevant responses please click here
Areas of Work in the Division:
Founding Ireland's radio spectrum policy for digital broadcasting
Following the 1st Session of the ITU Regional Radiocommunications Conference in May 2004, work commenced internationally on the development of the broadcasting bands to accommodate digital broadcasting. Consequently, Ireland needed to formulate a radio spectrum policy with regard to digital broadcasting. Consultations were used to ascertain items of strategic importance for DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television).
Other Relevant Links: