FAQ

An entity who provides an electronic communications network or an electronic communications service which has been registered in accordance with Regulation 4 of the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Authorisation) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 335 of 2011).

The ERAU is an Electronic Register of Authorised Undertakings which is established and maintained by ComReg for information purposes only, using information provided by the individual undertakings.

Any person may provide an electronic communications network and/or service in Ireland, provided they have notified the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), in advance. Under the terms of the Authorisation Regulations, operators are free to commence operations once a completed notification has been received by ComReg, but operations are subject to the conditions set out in a General Authorisation. There may also be a requirement to hold a spectrum licence depending on the service you intend to provide.

The process is very straightforward. To register you need to provide your name, company or business/trading name, the company registration number (if applicable), website, postal and registered office addresses; contact names, and their phone numbers and email addresses, as well as a brief description of your service. Once you have created a profile you can make any changes to contact details or services as they happen which must be notified to us within 14 days of occurring (Regulation 4(5) of the Authorisation Regulations).

Electronic communications networks and electronic communications services are defined in the European Communities (Electronic Communications networks and Services) (Framework) Regulations 2011 (SI no. 333 of 2011) as follows: "Electronic communications network" means transmission systems and, where applicable, switching or routing equipment and other resources which permit the conveyance of signals by wire, radio, by optical or by other electromagnetic means, including satellite networks, fixed (circuit-and packet-switched, including internet) and mobile terrestrial networks, electricity cable systems, to the extent that they are used for the purpose of transmitting signals, networks used in radio and television broadcasting and cable television networks irrespective of the type of information conveyed. An "electronic communications service" is defined as a service normally provided for remuneration which consists wholly or mainly in the conveyance of signals on electronic communications networks, including telecommunications services and transmission services in networks used for broadcasting.

There are conditions associated with a General Authorisation that you must be aware of before you register which can be found in  Document 03/81R5 .  You must keep your registration up to date. This can be done by amending your profile or services on the ERAU  Service Register using your username and password.

 Under Section 4 (1) of the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Authorisation) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 335 of 2011), any person intending to provide an electronic communications network or service shall, before doing so, notify the Regulator of his intention to provide such a service. Under Section 4 (6) any undertaking which fails to comply with section 4 (1) or section 4 (5) (notification of any changes to the information supplied) is guilty of an offence.

ComReg is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radiocommunications and broadcasting transmission) and the postal sector.

A Personal Locator Beacon or PLB is a portable radio transmitter, which aids the Search & Rescue (SAR) emergency services in the detection and location of persons in distress.

When used correctly and registered, the PLB helps to identify the owner and their location to the emergency services.

Only PLBs that are programmed with the pre-fixes 1F4 and 9F4 may be registered with ComReg. PLBs that have any other country code programmed into them cannot be registered with ComReg.

The access and administration of the submitted details of your PLB registration and user profile is restricted to ComReg staff only but all information provided is forwarded to the Irish Coast Guard on a monthly basis for their use with search and rescue.

ComReg is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radiocommunications and broadcasting transmission) and the postal sector.