The telecoms regulator will issue three wireless licences next March after a "beauty contest".

In a statement yesterday, Ms Etain Doyle said she had decided to award two new broadband licences and one narrow band licence left over from a previous competition.

The licences will be awarded on what are judged to be the merits of the companies' proposals rather than by auction.

Ms Doyle's spokeswoman said no consultation paper was received from Broadnet Ireland, whose application was unsuccessful in the first competition for licences. Broadnet founder Mr Declan Ganley said he did not know whether the company would reapply for a licence in the latest competition.

Pointing out that Broadnet had since secured licences in 10 European markets, he said: "A lot of water has passed under the bridge since Ireland."