STT, THE Singapore-based owner of Eircom, has set up an international advisory body to help manage its investment here.

It includes Brendan Tuohy, a former secretary general of the Department of Communications.

The body hasn’t met yet and is expected to have at least half a dozen members.

Tuohy’s selection is intriguing. STT is no doubt hoping that he can provide useful insights into its dealings with ComReg and the Government.

Babcock Brown had a tricky relationship with the regulator and Government and STT doesn’t want to repeat that mistake.

STT has floated the idea of industry players collaborating with Eircom to invest in upgrading the network. This might involve state funds in the name of the smart economy.

A major restructuring of Eircom is also rumoured to be in the pipeline, which will have to be managed carefully. Tuohy could be in for a busy time.