Eircom reveals its plans to increase phone bills by 3.1pc

10 Feb 2011

Eircom today hit a recession-weary public with an increase in bill charges which on average will rise by 3.1pc. The company said broadband, line rental and bundle subscription prices are unaffected by the price changes.

Eircom this morning confirmed plans to implement changes to current call charges for base rates and out of package calls.

Daytime hours have been extended as part of the changes, which come into effect from 11 March, 2011. On average, bills will increase by 3.1pc.

Broadband, line rental and bundle subscription prices are unaffected by today’s price changes. This means that more than 70pc of customers who only avail of the call minutes offered within their bundles will see no increase in charges.

Eircom to increase call set-up fees and daytime hours will change

Eircom said it will introduce an increase to the call set-up fee, which moves from 5.95c (inc VAT) to 9.50c (inc VAT). This will apply to base rates, as well as some consumer and business plans. All base rate and out of bundle calls will now be billed to the nearest full cent.

Daytime hours will change from 8am-6pm to 7am-7pm (including bank holidays), except for existing customers who are already on an off-peak call plan.

Directory enquiries prices will also be amended. This change comes into effect on Friday, 1 April, 2011.

The change to 11811 directory enquiries applies to calls made from Eircom fixed lines. The cost for a one-minute call will increase from €1.68 to €1.99.

The company said its customers can continue to make unlimited enquiries per call and customers making calls from a mobile phone will continue to receive the number requested via SMS text messaging.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com