Comreg's Excuse

Galen

As you are aware, ComReg has imposed certain obligations on eircom under the Universal Service Obligation (USO). In brief, these obligations amongst other things, refer to the right of each citizen of the state to a functional telephone line capable of carrying voice and data. The scope of these obligations, however, only apply to narrowband connections and the target minimum line speed therein is 28.8 kbit/s.

ComReg's approach to USO scope and designation is in accordance with the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users Rights) Regulations, S.I. 308 of 2003. These regulations transpose the European Universal Service and Users' Rights Directive and the provision of broadband was specifically excluded from the definition of Universal Service. This was reviewed by the European Commission in 2005, which decided to maintain this specification and as a result the USO obligations refer only to narrowband connections. ComReg's ability, under the USO, to impose obligations on eircom to deliver broadband enabled lines and exchanges is therefore restricted.

However, ComReg has carried out a number of regulatory initiatives to encourage alternative technology developments in the electronic communications sector and to encourage the development of broadband infrastructure and services throughout the country including the introduction of a Fixed Wireless Access Eocal Area Licensing scheme (FWALA) to promote local broadband competition ComReg has also supported the development of broadband wireless service in licence exempt bands.

It is correct to say that the rollout of broadband is not without its difficulties particularly in some rural areas and ComReg welcomes the recent announcement made by Minister Dempsey in relation to this matter.

ComReg also notes the recent announcement by eircom to enable a further 100 telephone exchanges in all 26 counties which will help further broadband availability.

Notwithstanding the difficulties, there are now over 410,000 broadband subscribers now in Ireland and the figure is rising rapidly (more than 100,000 new customers in 2006 to date) whilst the retail prices charged to the consumer are also falling, all signs of healthy competition. Broadband packages start for as little as €9.99 per month (excluding line rental) for the standard subscription and there is also evidence of greater speeds being offered by the market to consumers.

In addition, there is a website managed by the Department of Communications, namely www.broadband.gov.ie, which provides the details of service providers by geographic region and allows users to check with broadband providers are in their area. From early September, ComReg's website www.callcosts.ie allows consumers to compare and contrast the prices of home phone, broadband and mobile phone providers highlighting the wide range of choices available.

It seems that it is the EEC fault why Comreg is such a mess.

Solair

The EEC hasn't existed for quite a long time. (Unless you're a British Conservative Party Eurosceptic)
It's the EU

I find it odd though that these EU regulations seem to only impact upon comreg. Every other regulator in the EU seems to manage quite well!

Galen

This a letter from Comreg to Jim Higgins MEP.

I just think it's funny how comreg is trying to con us by saying it's anyones fault but their own now it's EU's fault.

JNive

the EU regulations are MINIMUM, its up to Comreg and the government to decide on a level above that minimum as appropriate to our economy. and as the E-Hub of Europe, lol, yah right, then the appropriate minimum for our economy, unless you want to cripple our very capability of supporting IT/Data-based companies, should be to apply a minimum standard on lines to include broadband.

In rural areas ( lines connected to houses outside city/large-town areas ), they should have a minimum service of 512/128
In large Rural Towns ( non cities but above say 500 households ) that should turn to a minimum of 1mb/200k
In Cities, the minimum should be 2mb/256k.

Thats what they need to do and to do it soon. Its all that unreasonable when you consider how much people pay for line rental.

If eircom have to gurantee little, then we should pay little accordingly