Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 Mar 1999

Vol. 503 No. 1

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Regulations.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

48 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when she will make regulations allowing the Director of Telecommunications Regulation to prevent cherry picking of customers in the voice telephony market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9139/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and the introduction of competition among telecommunications operators inevitably involves allowing them certain commercial freedoms in carrying out their businesses. It is not possible, therefore, to prevent competition for customers who are profitable from the point of view of operators. The regulatory framework must, however, ensure that there is fair competition among the operators, with due regard to the interests of the incumbent operator and of the new entrants.

The legislative framework for telecommunications includes a range of regulatory measures at the disposal of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation to ensure fair competition among telecommunications operators. I have recently signed further regulations which lay down requirements, to be monitored by the director, regarding the provision of voice telephony services by operators, including measures to ensure the provision of a universal service.