ComReg prevents Eircom from winning back customers

ComReg, the telecom watchdog has laid down new rules that will prevent Eircom from trying to win back customers lost to rivals for three months.

The ruling affects all telecom companies in Ireland, but as Eircom has 80% of the market and 90% of the consumer sector, it is to be most affected.

Although the move is set to aid competition, rival telecom operators to Eircom have said they are disappointed with the decision as it amounts to just a quarter of the one year block they were seeking.

The lobby group ALTO said that a 12-month no-contact period would have given operators a better chance to establish themselves.

It also called for ComReg to monitor Eircom closely to ensure it was complying with the new rules.