Communications

Communications Regulation Background Communications in Ireland has been radically affected by European Union liberalisation rules.  Typically communications had been run by State monopolies in the EU.  The EU liberalised the markets for electronic communications in 1998.… Read the rest

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Postal Liberalisation A 1997 Directive on the application of competition rules to the postal service required the opening of  the market to competition. Limited services can be reserved for the universal service provider.  The first directive provides for common rules in relation to universal postal service reserved services to the universal service provider,  tariff principles and transparency for accounts quality standards, harmonisation of technical standards and the creation of independent national regulators.… Read the rest

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Telecommunication Liberalisation The EU framework for liberalisation and telecommunications commenced in 1990. The role of the communications regulator is to promote and protect competition in the market.  The EU policies envisaged that competition would be the primary driver as state monopolies are rolled back.… Read the rest

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COMREG Regulation COMREG regulates the postal sector.  An Post was established as a public company in 1984.  Its sole shareholder is the State.  An Post may return or refuse postal packets which do not comply with the terms of its scheme or contains objectionable matter. … Read the rest

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Investigatory Powers COMREG has significant investigation powers.  It has wide information gathering powers.  It can carry investigations in relation to matters relating to supply, access to electronic telecommunications and networks.  It can compile and disseminate information.… Read the rest

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Licensing of Wireless Telegraphy The Wireless and Telegraphy Acts (first enacted in  1926) provide a general system of licensing of wireless telegraphy broadcasting and receiving equipment.  Generally, a person may not have in his possession any apparatus for wireless telegraphy unless authorised by and licenced under the Acts.… Read the rest

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