Go-ahead given for new mobile phone services

The Government-appointed Director of Telecommunications Regulation tonight gave the go-ahead for Ireland to have Europe’s first comprehensive framework for providing a wide new range of mobile phone services.

The body authorised the opening up of dedicated five-digit codes which will lay on services that are expected to include:

:: Goal-by-goal alerts for customers’ favourite soccer teams

:: Personalised stock information and industry news sector alerts

:: Localised travel information relating to traffic and flight and ferry information

:: Business and commerce applications

:: Ringtone downloads

:: Gaming and competitions.

Telecoms regulator Etain Doyle said: ‘‘These new services will initially be offered on existing Special Messaging Service systems.’’

Because of anticipated keen competition for easily-remembered numbers, all of the codes are set to be allocated on a lottery basis - and a special category is being reserved for services described by the regulator’s office as ‘‘adult-type’’.

The codes will be available from the middle of next month, meaning that the new soccer service will be in place well in time to monitor and report to home-based supporters on Ireland’s progress at this summer’s World Cup finals in Japan and Korea.

Tonight’s development followed consultations with a number of interested parties.