The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has threatened Eircom with legal action in the High Court and possible financial penalties over the failure to comply with its directive on local loop unbundling (LLU). The regulator has given Eircom until 11am this Friday to respond.
Describing the action as “essential, measured and proportionate”, ComReg chairwoman Isolde Goggin said that it cannot allow Eircom to delay developments that are affecting the ability of other operators to offer increased choice to consumers through innovative broadband offerings and strategies.
The regulator referred to two directions to Eircom issued on 18 January requiring Eircom to respond to industry requests for the development of LLU products and supporting processes, particularly relating to the request for the development of a number of LLU capabilities, such as automated LLU.
Earlier this week, Eircom revealed that it plans to appeal ComReg’s directions.
“Failure by Eircom to comply with this latest direction may result in ComReg applying to the High Court for an order forcing Eircom to comply with the direction. Furthermore, ComReg may apply to the High Court for the imposition of a financtial penalty if Eircom does not comply,” ComReg said in a statement.
It added: “ComReg believes that Eircom remains in breach of its legal obligations relating to LLU and that Eircom’s continued non-compliance will create serious economic and operational problems for other operators.”
By John Kennedy
