Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
98. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding the replacement of all the old copper cable landlines with fibre voice over broadband landlines, which raises the issue that in the future when we lose power, we will lose the ability to use our landlines and also to use our panic buttons for the elderly people in our community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3408/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028.
This target will be achieved through commercial operators investing in their fibre networks, complemented by the State’s National Broadband Plan intervention.
It should be noted that there is no legal basis to request a network operator to retain copper services permanently.
The copper network is owned by Eir (a private entity) and as such the ongoing operation and maintenance of it is a commercial matter for them. It should be further noted that EU policy supports the switching off of the copper networks throughout the EU and legislation has been put in place to facilitate this policy i.e. Article 81 of the European Electronic Communications Code (Directive (EU) 2018/1972). The EU has set 2030 as the preferred date to complete the switch off of copper-based communication networks across the Union.
It is also important to note that there are existing safeguards designed to protect consumers during such a process. Key among these is the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) Decision D09/23 which lays out the ‘Framework for Migration from Legacy to Modern Infrastructure’ , Copper Switch Off (CSO). This Decision ensures that CSO cannot occur without following a clearly defined process subject to ComReg oversight which aims to protect customers.
Should Eir wish to proceed with switch-off of its copper network, it must adhere to a clearly defined process across multiple phases that have been designed to ensure all end-users have access to a modern comparable service prior to switch-off and are kept fully informed about associated timelines.
In addition to D09/23, ComReg also published “Guidance for Retail Service Providers on Customer Migration from Copper-Based Electronic Communication Services – Management of Migration and Future Copper Switch-Off ’(ComReg 24/76). This document provides guidance to Retail Service Providers (RSPs) on how to manage the CSO migration process with a particular focus on steps that should be followed in relation to catering to vulnerable customers. In the guidance ComReg indicated that it would be monitoring RSPs adherence to the guidance and suggested that it may utilise its powers to amend RSPs General Authorisation if it considers greater consumer protection is required.
It should be noted that the timing of the switch-off is a commercial matter for Eir subject to it complying with the provisions of ComReg’s decision.
There are also further protections for consumers by way of the Universal Services provisions in S.I. No. 444 of 2022 - European Union (Electronic Communications Code) Regulations 2022.
This provides that ComReg can designate a Universal Services Obligation (USO) provider/s for the provision of voice communications services at a fixed location which may require them to undertake a public consultation before doing so. If a USO provider is designated it will provide a further layer of protection to vulnerable customers who may be impacted by copper switch off.
With respect to non-telecommunications services that current rely on the copper network, such as “panic button” services, the Department is aware that a range of alternative solutions are available for these types of services and is proposing to launch a consultation later this year to gauge the extent to which such service providers are prepared for any potential copper switch off and availing of such alternatives.
