The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has revealed that it plans to offer 59 new fixed wireless access local area licences in the 3.5GHz band to stimulate the deployment of broadband services in Ireland.
It is understood that 128 applications from 12 companies were received for the first phase of the licensing scheme.
Outgoing ComReg chairwoman, Etain Doyle, said: “Fixed wireless access provides a real alternative to existing phone and internet providers and is intended to benefit residential and business users in both urban and rural areas. Fixed wireless local area licences should offer a greater choice of broadband services for consumers in Ireland.”
The companies that have been offered licences so far are: Budget Wireless, four offers; Chorus, 15 offers; Digiweb, 10 offers; Leap Broadband, six offers; Irish Broadband, seven offers; Last Mile Wireless, two offers; Net2Cell, 13 offers; and Real Broadband, two offers.
The remaining licences will be offered as part of a second phase, due soon.
By John Kennedy
