Community deflector systems
O’Sullivan argued that low-cost deflector systems were serving viewers more cheaply than commercial MMDS. The Minister defended the planned 11-channel legal service and said existing rebeaming would continue until the new service was operating.
I am awaiting a reply from the Minister to my question, as he replied to Deputy Deasy.
Comment on this
The Minister said that the deflector system is not working and that it could not give adequate coverage in the multi-channel area. Experience has proved to be slightly different because many of the people who now have the deflector system were provided with the service at a fraction of the cost of commercial services. They want to hold on to the deflector system as for £25 per year one can get a choice of four channels in Cork whereas it costs——
Comment on this
The Deputy will be aware that if one covers all the costs which accompany the normal setting up of a multi-channel system rather than getting the supply from illegals, there would be a difference in cost. However, the system which the Minister for Communications has approved will provide 11 channels nationwide. It will be a very comprehensive and high quality service and will provide a similar choice to that available in the best areas in the country. The other point in relation to that is that people who are currently rebeaming will not be taken off until the new service is up and running. I know that in some areas people are concerned that there might be a loss of service but the Minister has given an assurance that this will not be the case. The MMDS system has been very effective, it has been widely tested and will provide a very good service nationally.