The communications regulator has drafted in consultants to advise on data security for the auction of fourth-generation (4G) mobile licences, after the country’s three main mobile operators raised serious concerns about data breaches.
ComReg started the 4G auction on May 25 in the face of criticism from Vodafone, O2 and Meteor following a number of incidents where they received correspondence meant for rival operators. The regulator said its data security procedures “have been and will be enhanced in light of concerns raised”.
The measures include hiring “a reputable consultancy organisation” to advise on confidentiality and security processes “before, during and after” the 4G auction, expected to raise at least €410m. ComReg said it would not identify the consultancy company it had hired.
Its other measures include allowing bidders in the auction to answer questions “in hard copy format” rather than electronically to ensure anonymity. The main part of the auction will be conducted through an electronic auction system, for which bidders will receive a user manual and tutorial.
Vodafone and O2 have been in correspondence with ComReg about security issues since late April, when the operators were each sent letters meant for the other company. Vodafone has sent a number of legal letters to the regulator about the issue, including a letter last week after the auction started.
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It said that data breaches could “fatally compromise” the 4G licensing process, which was “the most complex, highest value spectrum allocation process in the history of the state”. ComReg rejected a call for a consultation on the issue.
The operators must make their 4G bids by July 20, with licences likely to be awarded in late August or early September. Vodafone and O2 have warned that the time frame means the new mobile spectrum is unlikely to be ready for use before their current licences expire at the end of January 2013.