ComReg, the telecoms regulator, may increase charges on mobile telecoms companies who are using congested parts of the radio spectrum by between 10 and 20 per cent.
The regulator said it would consult with the industry shortly, but it was considering introducing "incentive pricing", which would encourage operators to move to less congested parts of the spectrum.
Isolde Goggin, chairwoman of ComReg, said there were some congestion problems in Dublin, particularly concerning the Three Rock transmitter site.
A spokesman for the regulator explained that ComReg wanted to see companies moving from "clogged" parts of the system to "un-clogged" parts.
In a presentation released yesterday to mark the publication of ComReg's spectrum strategy statement (2005 to 2007) the regulator said: "ComReg is considering further arrangements for the introduction of administrative incentive pricing in order to encourage efficient use of the spectrum". The regulator said there was a need to bring demand for spectrum into line with supply.
"Radio spectrum is now generally recognised as being a key economic resource for any nation. A study undertaken as part of our consultation process has estimated the contribution made by use of radio spectrum to the Irish economy for 2003 to be of the order of €1.9 billion (1.4 per cent of total GDP) with over 24,000 employees in Ireland whose jobs are dependent on the use of the radio spectrum," she said.
