The State-owned television cable provider, Cablelink, has joined CMI and Princes Holdings, in taking a legal action against the State to block illegal deflector operators, writes Siobhan Creaton. The three companies are also seeking financial compensation for lost revenues in an action that could cost the State millions of pounds. The Telecom Eireann and RTE subsidiary has lodged a plenary summons in the Dublin High Court in a first step towards recouping damages. Like CMI and Princes Holdings, it has retained independent consultants to evaluate the amount of money the company has lost over the years through the continuing operation of illegal deflectors.

Its High Court action is against the State, the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, the Attorney General and the independent telecommunications regulator, Ms Etain Doyle.

Industry sources have suggested that Cablelink was forced to take legal action to defend the interests of Telecom Eireann's strategic alliance partners KPN/Telia. Telecom Eireann owns 75 per cent of Cablelink, while RTE has a 25 per cent stake.

The action could take up to two years to be heard.