ComReg enables competition in the communications sector by facilitating market entry through a general authorisation to provide networks and services and by regulating access to networks so as to develop effective choice for consumers both business and residential. In a rapidly evolving sector, both in technological and commercial terms, ComReg provides the framework for the introduction of new services such as 3G.
The focus of regulation for the postal service in the partly liberalised market is the maintenance of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) and in ensuring that An Post prices are geared to cost.
Our activities are geared to operators and business & residential users of communications services.
The Wholesale Division handles all issues concerning the regulation of wholesale telecommunications markets including such matters as assessing the need for wholesale regulation by way of market analyses which determine if Significant Market Power (“SMP”) exists in any market. If this is the case, access obligations can be imposed on the operator(s) determined as having SMP along with associated obligations such as wholesale price controls. These obligations provide a means for non SMP operators to compete in the market on an equal footing with SMP operator(s). The Division is involved in encouraging investment in broadband and the consequences for the sector of widespread fibre roll out, including the withdrawal of copper networks. Wholesale also has responsibility for compliance with regulatory obligations at the wholesale level and for the regulatory financial aspects of the telecoms sector.
Market Framework is responsible for the following key areas:
Spectrum: the management of Ireland’s radio spectrum, over which all wireless communications (such as mobile phones, radars, radios, televisions, connected devices, etc.) take place. The management of Ireland’s radio spectrum includes
International: Market Framework is responsible for representing ComReg at international fora in respect of spectrum management and numbering, such as the CEPT, RSPG, BEREC and the ITU.
Numbering: the management of Ireland’s National Numbering Scheme, to conserve this finite national resource, while ensuring that there is always an adequate supply of numbers to support the demands of existing and new service providers;
Network Incident Reporting: managing reporting from operators on network failures and reporting on severe incidents to DCCAE and the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA);
Market Surveillance: ComReg is the designated Market Surveillance Authority in respect of two EU Directives, the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU, and the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.
The Retail and Consumer Services Division is responsible for carrying out ComReg’s statutory functions in respect of the regulation of the Postal market, Premium Rate Services and in respect of the retail and consumer related aspects of the electronic communications market.
This includes areas such as consumer complaint handling and dispute resolution, the provision of postal and electronic communications universal service and the implementation of certain policy measures for the protection of end-users including those with disabilities.
The division also carries out compliance monitoring and enforcement in respect of relevant consumer rights and related obligations on service providers.
We also ensure that consumers are aware of their rights by providing timely, accurate and targeted information through our consumer engagement programme. ComReg provides consumers with useful information tools such as “ComReg Compare” the mobile coverage map and the PRS short code checker.
Retail and Consumer Services is responsible for the monitoring of the quality of service and price control of the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS). Since 12 July 2010, this Division has been responsible for the regulation of premium rate services.
The Corporate Services Division develops and implements corporate affairs and communications strategies designed to enhance organisational performance and effectiveness. It is responsible for the human resources, finance, information systems, Data Protection, public relations, and general facilities management functions and strategic management for the organisation.
The Director of Strategy and Economics, is responsible for providing economic advice to the Commission and economic input to key economic projects undertaken by ComReg. The Director of Strategy and Economics, also has responsibility for strategic planning, research and data management, and international work relating principally to BEREC.
The General Counsel is responsible for the legal advice to the Commission particularly on all major legal matters, on the legal implications of communications policies in Ireland and the EU and for handling legal matters arising from ComReg’s remit and activities. The General Counsel is also responsible for Freedom of Information for the organisation.
See more at What We Do.