Anyone who wishes to register their interest in buying shares in Telecom Eireann must do so before May 28th next, the company announced yesterday.

By registering, investors will be entitled to receive a priority share allocation if the demand for the shares is very strong. Those who wish to register should contact the Share Information Office on Freefone 1 800 715 111, return a reply-paid registration card which are available at any AIB branch, An Post offices and Telecom Eireann Telecentres, or complete and return the free post coupons which appear in the newspapers.

Everyone aged 18 or over is entitled to apply to buy shares. Parents, grandparents and guardians can also apply to register to buy shares on behalf of minors. To date close to one million people have registered.

By registering you are not committed to buying the shares, but you will be sent a brochure on Telecom Eireann and the share offer which will be followed by a prospectus. At that stage, investors will have a period of around two weeks to decide whether they wish to actually buy the shares.