| NOTAS: | "On January 31, 2013 the Irish telecoms regulator ComReg published its final decision on remedies for next-generation access (NGA) networks. The ruling designated incumbent operator Eircom as having significant market power (SMP) in the two markets for wholesale fixed broadband, and imposed regulatory obligations to address the identified competition concerns. The regulator hopes that this will lead to new operators renting Eircom’s fiber, and encourage even fiercer competition at the already-competitive retail level. Eircom has welcomed ComReg’s decision. The operator says that the ruling will provide regulatory certainty, and allow it to proceed with the rollout of its fiber network. However, the rollout will need to continue at speed if the government’s ambitious targets are to be met.
The regulator’s decision largely follows the EC’s recommendation on NGA – the remedies imposed in some EU member states have differed from the recommendation to a far greater degree. The varied regulation of Europe’s wholesale broadband markets serves as a reminder that a one-size-fits-all approach does not, and should not, always apply. Although ComReg has not imposed full unbundling, its NGA remedies should promote competition and encourage investment, and ultimately aid the development of the market for high-speed broadband." |
