Doyle quits as telecom regulator

THE most powerful figure in the telecommunications industry, Etain Doyle, is to step down as telecom regulator

During her controversial six-year term, the ComReg chairperson attracted the wrath of the industry and politicians. Twelve writs were issued against her office but, in the end, ComReg triumphed, with most of the cases settled.

Hampered by lack of legislation, Ms Doyle also had several run-ins with the Government, including the contentious issue of securing a pension at 52, due in June of next year.

One of the few battles she lost was a refusal to appear before an Oireachtas committee. Legally, she was right but, in the end, she relented and has since accepted invitations to answer questions from several of the committees made up of TDs and senators.

She is leaving her 157,000 post early in 2004 to pursue a film-making course in New York.

In a move that was not regarded as a complete shock, she advised Communications Minister Dermot Ahern she did not wish to be considered for re-appointment as the chairperson of the Commission for Communications Regulation.

In a tribute , Mr Ahern acknowledged her unique contribution. "She has an enormous capacity for work and a mind which could focus on detail but never lost sight of the big picture," the minister said.

Ex-civil servant Ms Doyle's term of office ends on November 30 but she will remain in the post until early next year.

"I have enjoyed ComReg," she said yesterday, "and will remain interested in its progress and also in the broader context of Ireland's economic and IT development."

She indicated the decision to step down was reached as ComReg entered a new phase.

During her stewardship, the new EU telecom framework was put in place, 3G third generation mobile licences was launched and mobile number portability was brought on stream. In addition, spectrum management and innovation is now well-established, while the new Fixed Wireless Access Local Area (FWALA) licensees will shortly be announced to enable small operators to complete more effectively for broadband customers.

Also, key postal regulation issues have been set out and a new regime comes into effect shortly, while the transition from the ODTR to ComReg is complete.

Fine Gael's Simon Coveney also praised her contribution but said it was regrettable that someone with the experience of Ms Doyle had decided not to continue in office.

He demanded that the minister immediately set about the task of seeking a new chairperson with the necessary experience, ability and understanding of the communications marketplace to continue the vital work of ComReg.