Digital Infrastructure
COMREG NEWS
Consultation on End-User Compensation for Switching and Number-Portability
The European Electronic Communications Code (“EEC”) sets out rules on compensating end-users for failure to comply with switching and portability requirements under the EEC. In Ireland, section 39 of the Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023 enables the Commission for Communications Regulation (“ComReg”) to define “specified failure(s)” that require compensation to an end-user. ComReg notes that it is not currently proposing to determine what constitutes a “specified failure” but will continue to monitor the current compensation schemes offered by providers. It finds that, currently, consumers are receiving automatic and adequate compensation for switching or portability issues. Submissions to the consultation can be made until 27 October 2023. The full consultation document is available here.
Key Data Report
The latest Key Data Report covering April to June 2023 demonstrates a 34% year-on-year increase in full fixed fibre broadband connections in Ireland. Furthermore, in comparison to last year, there was an 8% increase in fibre-to-the-premises (“FTTP”) connections. Eir is still leading the total number of fixed broadband subscriber lines with 27.7%, followed by Virgin Media (23.2%) and Vodafone (20.2%). The retail fixed voice market has seen a decrease in traffic of 25.7% since Q2 2022. With regard to mobile connections, the report demonstrates that 5G mobile traffic has increased by 28% in comparison to Q2 2022. The full report can be found here.
Framework for switching off Copper-based Lines
In September 2023, the European Commission urged ComReg to increase the speed of switching off legacy copper networks in order to facilitate the rollout of highspeed broadband. ComReg notified the EU about its framework to switch-off copper-based lines. The Commission criticised ComReg’s speed in drafting the relevant provisions and called on the regulator to avoid further delays to ensure customers could move to newer technologies. The Commission had also voiced concerns over ComReg’s approach to Eir as a Universal Service Provider, stating that unfair conditions could be placed on Eir to bear all “non-standard connections costs” as Eir is required to ensure that alternatives are put in place for those customers losing their copper connections. ComReg has now stated that it expects to make a decision on changes to its framework in the coming weeks. The full article can be found here.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Virgin Media working with Blue Planet to facilitate transition to full fibre broadband
Blue Planted has been contracted by Virgin Media to support its transition to full fibre technology within the next three years. In November 2021, Virgin Media announced its intention to upgrade its network to full fibre by 2025, with investment backed by Liberty Global. Blue Planet provides an automation platform for operation support systems, which will support Virgin media in launching new fibre broadband services to end-users. The full article is available here.