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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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.
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).
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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
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.
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.