The telecoms industry has welcomed a direction by ComReg requiring Eircom to reduce the price it charges competitors to place their equipment on its network.

The maximum monthly charge that Eircom will now be able to charge for local-loop unbundling is €12.41 per customer line.

This covers the lease of the line between a customer premises and the nearest phone exchange.

ComReg has ordered that the maximum price for sub-loop unbundling, which covers the connection between a street side cabinet and a home or premises, should be €10.53.

Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan welcomed ComReg’s decision, describing it as a “significant development” in the evolution of next-generation networks.

“While this reduction is welcome and will benefit both sectors, it still does not go far enough,” said a spokesman for the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators, which represents Eircom’s competitors.