Ahern to boost telecoms competition

New rules to radically increase competition and cut telecoms prices to consumers using mobile phones, broadband and fixed line telephony have been issued by the Minister for Communications, Dermot Ahern.

This will be given as policy directions to the Communications Regulator (Comreg), following consultation with the industry and the public.

Their main aim is to drive down prices for mobile phone users, broadband and fixed-line telephone users.

Minister Ahern said today: "I am mandating Comreg to intensify competition in the mobile phone markets to ensure that mobile phone users get the best value for money.

"I am directing Comreg to examine opening up mobile phone networks to other Irish and International companies. This direction will ensure all mobile phone operators can compete fairly and will drive down mobile phone charges.

The Minister also said he wanted the issue of roaming charges for mobile phone users tackled.

"It is still unacceptable that mobile phone users have to pay more when operating in Border areas. There should be just one price for the whole country," he added.

The Minister is also issuing a General Policy Direction on competition to ComReg to focus on market share of new entrants, price level to the end user and competition in the fixed and mobile markets.