- NEWS
Appeal for public help in double murder probeA double murder investigation involving more than 50 gardaí got under way in Killorglin, Co Kerry, after autopsies confirmed a Lithuanian woman and her young daughter had died violently.
US research links autism to pollution levels Pregnant women who were exposed to high levels of air pollution were twice as likely to have a child with autism as women who lived in low pollution areas, a US study shows.
- WORLD
Whitey Bulger shot Boston bar owner, says convicted murderer Accused Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger and one of his associates shot dead a bar owner in a phone booth for bragging about helping the "Winter Hill Gang" with another killing, an ex-convict and confessed murderer has testified.
Brand divorced me by text, says Perry Pop star Katy Perry has revealed that Russell Brand told her he was divorcing her in a text message.
- BUSINESS
Aircraft leasing firm buys 10 Boeing jetsShannon-based aircraft leasing firm GE Capital Aviation Services have bought 10 new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for an estimated $3bn (€2.24bn) at list price.
20% of rich see value of assets halved Nearly 20% of Ireland's wealthy people have seen the value of their assets halved as a result of their over-reliance on property.
- SPORT
GPA may get involved over Friday night championship dictatThe GPA could yet act on the behalf of the Carlow and Laois football panels as they have confirmed neither they nor the players were consulted about Friday week's All-Ireland round one qualifier.
Kearney keeps eyes on main prize Rob Kearney might not have felt like putting his best foot forward today as the Lions continued to prepare for Saturday's all-important first Test against Australia but he is experienced enough to know that after this midweek defeat by the Brumbies, it is essential for the main mission of the tour.
- LIFESTYLE
Bradley bares his soul Soul singer Charles Bradley found fame late in life, but is haunted by his past, writes Ed Power
Body of evidence: do we fear nudity or nakedness?Do it together and it's harmless, do it alone and it's criminal, says Suzanne Harrington
16-19C
Breaking stories
Mobile multi-band will serve rural areas
By Stephen Cadogan
Fears that rural dwellers could lose out when a new multi-band spectrum for mobile phones is rolled out have been downplayed.
The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is obliged to ensure the efficient management and use of the radio frequency spectrum — but a 70% population obligation has led to fears that successful bidders for new licences will concentrate on large urban areas, to the detriment of rural areas where 30% of the population live.However, Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte said that ComReg is adamant that difficulties will not arise — for a number of reasons. First, the infrastructure is in place and the masts have already been erected. Second, the obligations on Vodafone, 3 and O2 in respect of 3G services were greatly exceeded. Third, mobile telephone companies are already competing to provide services, and there is no question of a diminution of that competition, said the Minister.
“The 70% idea arose principally because it was considered desirable that such a large figure be a requisite to prevent cherry-picking by a new entrant to the market. A new company would not be able to pick populous urban centres while avoiding regional, provincial or rural areas,” said Mr Rabbitte.
ComReg expects coverage levels will exceed the 70% population obligation by a considerable margin, given the competitive nature of the market and the limited risk of roll-back of coverage from the existing levels. For example, for third generation or 3G services, Vodafone’s coverage covers 90% of the population, 5% more than its obligation. Hutchison 3G, better known as “3”, covers 96% of the population, 11% more than its obligation. O2 also covers 90.5% of the population, which is more than its obligation. The national broadband schemes are scheduled to bring basic broadband service to all areas by 2013.
“While the outcome of the forthcoming multi-band spectrum release process can not be anticipated, I understand ComReg is not expecting any reduction in coverage as a result of this process,” said Mr Rabbitte.
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