:: 13/07/2012

Ireland - ComReg opens consultation on broadcast network market

The communications regulator ComReg has opened a consultation on broadcast transmission services in Ireland. The consultation seeks to determine whether ex-ante regulation remains relevant given the launch of the DTT platform.

The consultation also seeks to identify and propose any remedies that should be applied.

In its 2003-2004 review of the broadcast market, ComReg concluded that the broadcast network operator RTÉ Transmission Network Limited (RTÉNL) had Significant Market Power (SMP) in the wholesale market for analogue television. As a result, it imposed regulatory remedies.

In its analysis, ComReg has determined that RTENL retains SMP in the markets for the wholesale access to national terrestrial broadcast transmission services and to DTT multiplexing services. As a result, it has called for the establishment of obligations for access to and use of specific network facilities by DTT multiplex operators.

According to ComReg, 31% of television households rely on the terrestrial television for the primary television services while 50% of households make use of the platform.

The consultation is open until 24 August 2012.

Source: ComReg website