Eircom fixed line phone calls
ComReg finds eircom dominant in fixed line and calls markets
ComReg Media Release - 22nd June 2005
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) today published the conclusions of its review of the markets for retail fixed narrowband access and fixed retail calls. ComReg was obliged to carry out the market reviews under the new EU telecommunications framework.
This review process concluded that there are two separate markets in Retail Fixed Narrowband Access. The first of these covers mainly access to copper exchange lines and basic rate ISDN services, and the second relates to higher speed ISDN access. In the Fixed Retail Calls market review ComReg concluded that there are also two retail calls’ markets. The first of these covers domestic calls which include mainly local, national calls and calls to mobiles and the second relates to international calls.
ComReg’s conclusions are that eircom is dominant in all four of these markets due to high
market shares, significant barriers to entry and an absence of any countervailing buyer
power. The new regulatory framework obliges ComReg to impose obligations on the
operator with Significant Market Power (SMP). The obligations proposed for eircom
include:
- - maintaining the existing price cap;
- - proposing a subcap on PSTN line rental to restrict any future increase;
- - The requirement to provide carrier access, carrier select and carrier-pre selection; and a wholesale line rental product.
The papers contain both the response to consultation on the market review and a further consultation on the Draft Decision setting out eircom’s obligations. In line with the procedures of the new regulatory framework, ComReg is notifying the EU Commission and other European regulators, in order that they may comment before ComReg makes its final conclusions. ComReg welcomes comments from interested parties on the draft Decision. Comments must be submitted by 26th of April 2005. Both supporting documents in relation to this matter ComReg 05/25 and ComReg 05/26 are available on the ComReg website www.comreg.ie
ENDS
Issued By
Tom Butler
Public Affairs Manager, ComReg
Ph: 01 804 9639 Mobile: 087 2536358 tom.butler@comreg.ie
