Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2004
24 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to the implementation of his policy direction on single billing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10212/04]
View answerI recently issued policy directions to the Commission for Communications Regulation, one of which concerned the introduction by Wednesday, 31 March 2004 of a wholesale line rental product for voice and data services.
This policy direction recognises the importance of the single billing product to advancing competition. Single billing will allow operators other than Eircom to offer customers just one bill for both line rental and calls. Eircom has confirmed to ComReg that the wholesale-line rental product is available to interested operators by the 31 March deadline as required. I am also aware, both from operators and ComReg, that this wholesale product will now be fully tested by operators to their specific commercial requirements as a precursor to the roll-out of retail offerings.
I look forward to the contribution that wholesale line rental can bring to enhancing competition in the sector and ensuring that consumers get a competitive telecommunication service. ComReg will report to me monthly from June on the take up of this product and work with the industry to ensure its smooth introduction.
A review of the overall impact of the introduction of this commercial product on competition and line rental will be undertaken in September. If the progress envisaged is not evident at this time I will direct ComReg subject to the relevant requirements under European and national law to examine taking line rental out of the present price cap and examine setting a specific rental cap no greater than CPI or take whatever other appropriate steps are necessary to ensure its successful introduction.
