ENTERPRISE Minister Arlene Foster has said her Department has not held any discussions with mobile phone operators on improving mobile phone coverage in Derrygonnelly.

Minister Foster told Sinn Fein’s Phil Flanagan that her Department maintains regular contact with the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) but “no discussions specifically around coverage in Derrygonnelly” have taken place.

“The Member will be aware that the telecommunications market is fully privatised and independently regulated, with investment decisions taken on the basis of commercial return. In recent years the MNOs have been investing significantly to improve their 2G and 3G networks. For instance, to the end of 2013, ‘EE’ had invested some £30 million in its Northern Ireland network while ‘Three’ had invested over £12 million.

“To address areas where the market is not currently investing, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is currently implementing the Mobile Infrastructure project which is focused on 2G technology. However, it is understood that operators will future proof the infrastructure being deployed, in order to further support 3G, 4G and beyond, where possible.

“Following a review of the National Implementation Plan, which took account of the impact of MNO investment, Northern Ireland is now in line for the deployment of 72 nominal, new mast sites which should help improve mobile services across Northern Ireland, including County Fermanagh. Once completed, DETI will assess the need for further government intervention,” she said.