Time called on Eircom fixed line monopoly

EIRCOM’S controversial monopoly on fixed line charges will be effectively brought to an end within the next month.

Cumulative increases of 22.5% in charges for fixed lines in the past year has seen customers' basic monthly telephone rental cost rise from €19.60 to €24.30 per month, before making any telephone calls.

Communications Minister Dermot Ahern told an Oireachtas committee yesterday he will direct telecommunications regulator ComReg to introduce rental pricing competition by March.