Ireland’s telecom regulator this week announced it will undertake a strategic review of Eir’s regulatory governance model that could lead to a separation of the incumbent’s retail and wholesale businesses.
The move comes as a number of the Irish telco’s major rivals launch formal complaints about the service they receive from its wholesale unit.
Eir has voluntarily shared information that shows there are still areas in which its own retail business is – or could be – given priority over rival operators when it comes to wholesale services. The operator itself identified these areas and set out a timeline to remedy them.
"Nevertheless, they do raise questions about Eir’s compliance with its obligations," ComReg said, noting this its compliance unit will assess the situation.
"We also are concerned more generally at the long lead times experienced by alternative operators in certain cases where they have requested new or amended regulated wholesale products from Eir," ComReg also said.
Evidence suggests Eir’s rivals are not happy with the service they are receiving.
This month Vodafone Ireland, Sky, BT and Magnet all entered into formal disputes with Eir over its repair times on the broadband and fixed-line network, Vodafone revealed on Thursday, alongside its announcement that it has started legal proceedings against KPN in the Netherlands for abusing its dominant position in the fixed network space.
Vodafone also made reference to ComReg’s review.
The review could have a number of different outcomes, including examining the case for the functional separation of Eir’s wholesale business, the regulator said. However, it was keen to point out that there are other options.
The review will take place next year.
