Eircom Unveils Broadband DSL Prices For Consumers

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

25 April 2002

Following the resolution of a dispute with Irish Telecommunications Regulator, Etain Doyle, Eircom has unveiled its new tariffs for the provision of broadband DSL internet connections to end consumers.

The long delay in rolling out high speed internet connections to the Irish residential and business market resulted from the high fees which the telecommunications giant proposed charging other firms for permission to resell the service to consumers.

Balking at the 75 euros per month planned charge last year, the Office of the Director of Telecommunications announced that: 'Despite extensive contacts, Eircom have failed to satisfy the Regulator that their proposed wholesale prices are cost-orientated and non-discriminatory,' and sent the telecoms company away to reconsider its wholesale asking price.

Speaking last week, Chief Executive of Eircom, Philip Nolan announced that a reduced price of 49 euros per month had been agreed with the regulator, and announced that although the firm would have liked more, it would still make a return on its 125 million euros investment. 'There is a degree of pragmatism here, we want to move forward,' he explained.

It was announced on Wednesday that charges for the new high speed connection for residential and business consumers will range from 89 euros to 169 euros per month (exclusive of VAT). The service will be available in around three weeks' time.

Recommended