News
ComReg re-designates Eircom as Universal Service Provider from 2012 until 2014
5th July 2012
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) issued its decision to re-designate Eircom as the Universal Service Provider (USP) for a 2-year period to June 2014. See link to Response to Consultation and Decision: ComReg 12/71, D07/12
ComReg’s aim with regard to universal service is to ensure that basic telephony services are available at an affordable price to all end-users in the State.
ComReg’s approach to universal service scope and designation, in its Decision issued today, is in accordance with the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services)(Universal Service and Users’ Rights) Regulations 2011, S.I. No. 337 of 2011, (“the Regulations”).
Resulting from this Decision, Eircom’s universal service obligations include:
Provision of access at a fixed location
Provision of a printed telephone directory
Provision of public pay telephones
Provision of services to consumers with disabilities
Provision of measures to assist consumers control their expenditure and affordability measures
In addition and as provided for in the Regulations, ComReg will shortly commence a consultation process regarding proposed measures that would require authorised undertakings, to facilitate equivalent access and choice for consumers with disabilities.
In reaching this decision, ComReg was aware of Eircom’s network presence throughout the country and its experience in providing universal services. The provision of Universal Service ensures that basic telephone services are available at an affordable price and specified quality, irrespective of geographical location, within Ireland. There are both social and economic grounds for the USO, as it provides services to assist vulnerable users and those in remote locations that the market might otherwise not choose to serve, thereby facilitating greater participation by those users in the market.
ComReg is grateful to all those who took time to make submissions during the course of the consultation.
