The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI) has criticised Eircom for impeding the Republic's transition towards becoming a "hub" for e-commerce.

The move follows BT's decision to allow consumers and SMEs flat rate unmetered access for £6.99 sterling (€11.20) per month unlimited off-peak and £34.99 sterling for unlimited all-day access.

The CCI has now called for local call connections to the Internet to be made free of charge.

Of 28 developed countries surveyed by Eurodata this year, the Republic ranks 23rd in terms of the cost of a local call.

The Chambers of Commerce points out that people are not charged to browse shops on a main street, but they are being charged for every moment spent in a virtual shop.