So-called virtual operators should be offered access to the main mobile networks at a price set at least 35 per cent below their own retail prices, according to a standard set by ComReg.

ComReg set out this standard entry price for virtual operators in the licence text of Hutchison 3G Ireland, the fourth mobile operator, which is expected to enter the market in the summer.

Hutchison 3G Ireland is mandated to offer virtual operators access to its network, within a reasonable period of negotiation. ComReg can intervene after three months.

Some analysts believe virtual operators may get access to the market faster by approaching Hutchison 3G Ireland rather than Vodafone and O2, which are both against giving access to virtual operators.

But the firm has yet to launch in the market and only has a limited amount of network coverage compared to O2 and Vodafone.