The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) issued a direction yesterday that should enable broadband users to switch operators without experiencing any delay in service.

ComReg's new regulatory direction will force Eircom to move a customer's DSL "line" from one operator to another without making any changes to the physical wiring in the Eircom network.

This process, known as port transfer, should avoid the need for users to have a DSL service disconnected for a long period, possibility days, before a service is re-established through another service provider.

These delays in service provision are believed to be major impediments for small and medium-sized companies that may seek to change operators.

Eircom had previously indicated to ComReg that it would introduce this form of "port transfer" process in August 2002 but has so far failed to bring in the new service for operators.

A statement from ComReg said it was disappointed by Eircom's failure to introduce the new process and had now issued a draft direction on the issue.