Lobby group hit out at Comreg

Consumer lobby group IrelandOffline today expressed dismay at figures recently released by telecoms regulator ComReg.

The statistics pointed to a stagnant Irish market for broadband and telecoms, with above-average charges in many areas compared to other EU countries.

“The ComReg report failed to communicate to the consumer that Ireland has the highest mobile expenditure in the EU, the highest line rental and that the average landline bill is considerably above the EU average,” said IrelandOffline spokesperson Jonathan Ó Rinn.

“We would question whether ComReg is serious about their consumer charter and whether Minister Dempsey is content with a market, that while apparently liberalised, is not at all competitive judging by ComReg's figures.

“Telecommunications are essential for consumers and business, yet a monopoly in all but name is being allowed to stymie growth and innovation to the detriment of both the consumer and Ireland Inc. on the world stage.”