Eircell claims its new pay-as-you-go mobile phone service will give the company 60,000 new subscribers by the end of the year.

The service, which was launched yesterday, operates by using vouchers which entitle the holder to either £20 or £40 worth of credit.

When subscribers scratch the voucher a number is revealed, the person then dials a code, keys in the number on the voucher and their phone is activated.

The vouchers, known as Go Cards, remove any need for bills and will be available at retail outlets throughout the country.