Donegal General Election candidate Charlie McConalogue has called for an independent expert audit of Ireland’s phone coverage which would include regional mapping, and grading of coverage to identify levels of patchy coverage.
He says it’s needed because of a high volume of dropped calls and bad 3G coverage in large parts of rural Ireland.
Charlie McConalogue explained, “Ireland is in the midst of a digital divide.
“Thousands of people are without proper mobile phone coverage everyday and businesses are suffering as a result.
“I am aware that ComReg are of the view that mobile coverage in Ireland is of an appropriate standard but travelling across Donegal as I have for months on end now as part of the general election campaign it is clear that the reality on the ground is very different than what the regulator thinks is happening.
“We need a national mobile phone coverage audit, carried out by international experts. ComReg should ensure this includes a proper review of the regions.
“Fianna Fáil is then proposing to launch a National Mobile Phone Infrastructure Plan and the regional mapping arising from the audit will point out where this investment needs to be prioritised.
“Fianna Fáil will also require Comreg to enforce coverage standards through its licensing contracts which will include meeting national coverage targets.
“Where there is no reasonable alternative, we will roll out state funding for improved coverage and allocate a capital sum of €50m for this.
“Fianna Fáil will also enforce 4G national coverage standards through licensing contracts.
“The perception of the mobile phone coverage in Ireland is simply not reflective of reality. That’s why I believe an expert-led international audit will shed light on the real needs of the country.”