Eircom is to launch its new high speed internet services - ‘bitstream’ and ‘i-stream‘ - following the resolution of a dispute over pricing with the telecom regulator.
The regulator, Ms Etain Doyle, also announced today that she has approved new Eircom proposals in relation to prices for local loop unbundling (LLU).
Ms Doyle has approved final prices for interconnection services provided by Eircom (known as the Reference Interconnect Offer or RIO) for periods up to March 31st 2001.
Rates for the four month period to March 31st 2001 are to remain unchanged from previously announced interim levels.
She has also confirmed that Eircom intends to discontinue legal proceedings launched by in 2001 against ODTR decisions in relation to RIO and LLU.
In addition to new pricing, Eircom has also confirmed that it is making special arrangements to ensure that competitors may have access to the necessary complementary services to launch bitstream services.
The new prices will apply retrospectively, and in order to provide certainty to the industry, also for the current regulatory year to end March 2003.
The regulator said the introduction of competitive broadband DSL services is a "welcome step" in the development of the Irish communications market.