Telecoms Regulator launches competition for 3G licences

The ODTR has launched the competition for the selection of 3G mobile phone licences.

The deadline for the submission of proposals is 27th March.

Four 20 year licences will be awarded.

It is expected that the highest ranking applicants will be announced in June 2002 and the rollout of services should start in January, 2004.

In Ireland, four 3G mobile licences, one 'A' licence and three 'B licences, with differing terms, will be offered by means of a 'beauty contest'.

The fee is £21m for the 'A' licence and £58m for the 'B' licence.

The 3 'B' licences provide for a minimum coverage of the five major cities and somewhat slower minimum roll-out condition compared with the A licence, which requires 80% population coverage.

3G technology allows for the transfer of data up to 40 times faster than existing mobile phones.

Wireless internet, audio on demand, video conferencing and traffic and travel information which is location specific will all be available on a 3G handset.

Ireland is the last EU country, apart from Luxembourg to offer for sale 3G licences.