Two medium-wave radio frequencies have been identified for new radio services, according to a report from the telecommunications regulator ComReg.
The document on the future of the State's radio spectrum says the frequencies (549 kilohertz and 846 kilohertz) have an extensive footprint throughout Europe but could be used from the State.
The regulator says that once they are set up properly for broadcast from the Republic, they will be made available to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) for licensing.
A BCI spokeswoman said yesterday that it was accepting expressions of interest in new radio services and these could end up being broadcast on the new frequencies. Several Christian broadcasters may also seek to broadcast on the frequencies.
The document also says that ComReg is "considering" the idea of allowing firms or individuals to trade in spectrum rights. This might involve radio stations trading or exchanging their rights to parts of the radio spectrum.
Various firms and individuals have made submissions to ComReg on the issue. Some of these submissions warn that "speculative spectrum hoarding" might take place. Others suggest that, while trading in spectrum rights might be not the right approach, ComReg should allow companies to use their rights for different purposes at different times.
