Ireland: a hub for phone technology

IRELAND is to become an international hub for mobile phone technology, Enterprise Minister Micheal Martin said last night.

Mr Martin was speaking at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona where 21 Irish firms are targeting business in the multi-billion euro market.

The event is being attended by 60,000 trade visitors from some of the world’s largest network operators.

Mr Martin said the Irish telecoms sector has boomed in recent years and exports of software and hardware for the sector had doubled since 2005.

The minister predicted exports will hit €260m this year.

“Irish firms have taken a lead in looking to the future of the mobile phone,” said Mr Martin.

“They are developing new technology which can be used in wireless security systems, ticketing systems, weather forecasting, entertainment and even the remote monitoring of internet use by child.”

“Our expertise has been recognised across the globe.”