ComReg welcomes EC mobile market decision

The Commission for Communications Regulation has welcomed the European Commission’s decision to approve plans to force Vodafone and O2 to open up their mobile-phone networks to rival operators.

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has welcomed the European Commission’s decision to approve plans to force Vodafone and O2 to open up their mobile-phone networks to rival operators.

Last December ComReg notified the European Commission of its conclusions following a comprehensive review of the Irish mobile market in which it found Vodafone and O2 to have joint dominance.

In its notification, ComReg proposed that the networks of Vodafone and O2 should be open to alternative providers such as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). ComReg also proposed that existing agreements regarding national roaming should be maintained.

ComReg today received a letter from the European Commission endorsing ComReg’s decision and its proposed remedies in relation to the Irish mobile market.