Delays switching telecoms firms

Consumers seeking to change telecoms companies or hook up to broadband are still experiencing delays and maintenance problems, according to the latest report from the communications regulator.

ComReg has issued an update on the progress being made in opening up dominant player Eircom's network to rivals. The report details the progress of an industry working group that has been dealing with the problem under the auspices of ComReg.

It states that some consumers face delays when seeking to switch companies and when applying for broadband products, while faults associated with switching are also taking too long to resolve.

A ComReg spokesman said this was partly due to Eircom's unwillingness to facilitate switching, but said other operators had to accept some responsibility as well.

However, the report says progress is being made in key areas such as allowing customers to keep their phone numbers when switching operators and taking up broadband.

Eircom is supposed to allow its competitors access to the connection between its exchanges and consumers' telephones. This will allow them to sell their own products and services rather than those provided to rivals on a wholesale basis by Eircom.

Progress in this area is seen as vital to promoting the spread of broadband, which is in turn seen as key to economic development.