Vodafone and 02 win ComReg ruling appeal

VODAFONE and O2 have won their challenge against a ruling by telecoms watchdog, ComReg, that the companies had joint-dominance of the mobile phone market.

The companies appealed ComReg’s ruling to the Electronic Communications Appeals Panel (ECAP), which annulled the decision on joint-dominance.

In a statement, O2 noted that prices have fallen for both pre-paid and bill pay customers, over the last couple of years, and said the Irish market was “very competitive”.

“This is evidenced by the entrance of a fourth mobile network operator, 3, in July of this year; by Meteor’s evolving market share and by the awarding of the fourth 3G license to Smart Telecom last month.”

Vodafone Ireland strategy director Gerry Fahy said: “Ireland already has four mobile licence holders, with another poised to enter, addressing a market of four million customers - a competitive ratio not seen anywhere else in Europe.”

ComReg said it will monitor developments in the mobile market and begin a further review of the sector to determine the competitiveness of the market.

ComReg last year proposed measures to deal with the issue, including opening up both companies’ networks to competitors.

It has also ordered both companies to reduce mobile termination rates, which should result in lower prices.

According to ComReg data, Irish consumers pay 55% more each month on mobile bills compared to other European countries.