EC approves plan to open up Irish mobile phone networks

The European Commission has approved plans to force Vodafone and O2 to open up their mobile-phone networks to rival operators.

The EC said today that it had approved the plan announced by ComReg last month to force the two companies to sell space on their networks to so-called "virtual operators".

The decision paves the way for companies like Virgin Mobile to operate in Ireland. Eircom is also believed to be considering a move into the mobile market.

EC spokesman Martin Selmayr said: "If Europe wants to become more competitive, we need to ensure that there is effective competition in crucial markets such as the electronic communications market.

"The commission expects the measures proposed by the Irish regulator to increase competition and to lead to lower prices for consumers in Ireland."