In accordance with the market definition procedure outlined in the framework regulations, S.I. No. 307 of 2003, ComReg are conducting a market analysis of the wholesale mobile access and call origination. It is ComReg's preliminary view that Vodafone and O2 have a collectively dominant position. ComReg have published their findings and proposed remedies for consultation.
In addition, I have recently published draft policy directions which I propose to give to the Communications Regulator, one of which focuses on competition as a key objective for 2004 and one of which focuses on national roaming.
These draft directions will, if issued in final form, mandate ComReg to: implement where necessary, remedies which counteract or remove barriers to entry and support, in all ways possible, entry by new players to the market and entry into new sectors by existing players and; use its powers to mandate national roaming on existing GSM networks of incumbent mobile network operators on fair commercial terms subject to relevant requirements under European law.
These directions have been published in draft format for public consultation until Monday 1 March 2004 and I welcome input from both the industry and the public.