He commented, “In this day and age high quality mobile phone services are essential as a tool of business, tourism and for people’s own day-to-day lives. Despite the establishment of a Government task force over a year ago to deal with poor quality coverage, the reality is that there has been no significant improvement in mobile phone services across the country.
“This is one of the most pressing issues facing rural communities, start-up’s and small business owners and has become an even greater concern among people nationwide than the complete lack of decent broadband.
“Without modern, high quality telecommunications, rural businesses and homes are struggling to access basic services. It is killing them off. Small businesses, particularly the self-employed are potentially losing out on vital opportunities due to their inability to access 3G coverage to use social media platforms or bid for business.
“The taskforce’s update restates what we already knew; that there are blackspots and that considerable action will need to be taken to eradicate them. Why is the Government not providing answers as to when these actions will be taken?"
Dooley added, "This whole debacle is sadly reminiscent of the stalled National Broadband Plan, for which Minister Naughten also refuses to provide a timeline for its delivery.
“This Government has provided such little scope or planning for the future, and while other countries are investing in their digital connectivity, Ireland is being left behind. Mobile phone users are becoming justifiably impatient and frustrated. Regardless of location, the Government, together with mobile operators need to provide an equal quality of service to phone users."
Dooley concluded: "I am calling on Minister Naughten to immediately set out his plans for improving Ireland’s mobile phone and broadband coverage, and to give dates to the thousands of people awaiting decent coverage."