The Spectrum Intelligence & Investigations (SII) unit publish each year the key activities and associated KPI’s. This summary provides additional context and insights into the data presented below in relation to radio frequency interference (RFI) and spectrum compliance activities.
Key Highlights (Radio Frequency Investigations)
- 73 incidents of RFI were reported to the SII team in this reporting period, and were categorized as below –
- 16 Type B cases – these are higher priority issues requiring a response time of 5 working days
- 57 Type C cases – lower priority issues with no response time required, which were addressed and responded to as necessary.
There were no Type A complaints reported this year.
For further information relating to case categories please see Radio Interference | Commission for Communications Regulation
- 90% of Affected Services impacted Public Mobile Networks. The majority of interference incidents impacted networks such as Three Ireland and Vodafone, with 8 and 5 reported cases respectively. There was 1 report of RFI to a radio amateur service in this reporting period.
- Mobile phone signal boosters accounted for over half of the interfering sources, followed by mast head amplifiers. The remaining interfering sources recorded were a faulty TV modulator, malfunctioning cigarette machine and other operator interference.
- 100% of Type B cases met the target KPI response time, ensuring timely resolution.
- SII received 47 reports of interference to the indoor 5GHz spectrum band[1], and successfully worked with service providers and installers of non-compliant incorrectly configured RLAN equipment, resolving the issues affecting TV streaming services.
Key Highlights (Compliance & Enforcement)
- 43 Section 3 legal notices were issued to entities whose licences were cancelled as part of ComReg’s monthly licence cancellation process to ensure that all previously licensed apparatus of wireless telegraphy have ceased operation. All instances of non-compliance were resolved without any requirement for further action.
- Two weather radar interferers were removed ensuring no disruption to Met Eireann services.
- One search & seize operation was executed successfully on a unlicenced broadcast in the Cork Area, resulting in the cessation of the broadcast and three further Section 7 notices were issued to addresses where ComReg had reason to believe that unlicensed broadcasting was taking place.
Any queries can be sent to a member of the SII team directly at interference@comreg.ie
[1] 5.8 GHz Registration | Commission for Communications Regulation
