Commission for Communications Regulation

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The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the general communications regulator for the Republic of Ireland, covering almost all possible types of communications.

Founded on December 1, 2002, ComReg took over from the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation (ODTR), amongst other bodies. The ODTR was established in 1997 to take over the licensing and regulatory functions of the Minister for Transport, Energy & Communication which related primarily to broadcasting and communications. The first (and only) Director of Telecommunications Regulation was Etain Doyle, who was subsequently appointed Chairperson of ComReg, on its establishment.

Under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 the Minister for Communications, Marine, and Natural Resources appoints the chairperson and up to two other commissioners of ComReg. Currently the commissioners are Isolde Goggin (Chairperson), and Mike Byrne and John Doherty.

Sectors regulated by ComReg include post, telecoms, internet, cable television, terrestrial television, radio and domain names. They set prices, allocate frequencies, and issue licences to those involved in these sectors. In relation to terrestrial television and radio, the commission acts in conjunction with the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, which grants programme contracts to radio and television stations other than those operated by RTÉ, which currently includes TG4, leaving only TV3 under its remitt. ComReg is also tasked with policing use of the radio spectrum which includes occasional attempts to close down pirate radio stations, which sometimes proves controversial.