Businesses and consumers will be able to access a new high-speed internet service based on digital subscriber line technology for a monthly fee of €89 from May 14th, Eircom said yesterday.

The i-stream product, which was delayed due to a dispute between Eircom and the telecoms regulator, will target small businesses initially rather than the consumer market. It costs considerably more than a similar service available in Britain, and consumers will also have to pay a fee of €165 for the initial connection.