088 network coming to an end

The country's first ever mobile phone network is to go off the air in three months time.

The Eircell 088 network will be switched off on July 31.

Before the switch off all consumers will be offered replacement 087 GSM mobile phones.

The move is part of a worldwide switch from old analogue handsets to the digital services.

As part of the wind up Eircell is planning a major recycling campaign so 088 phones and their batteries do not end up damaging the environment.

The recycling will take place at a special facility in Co Kildare.