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According to the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators (ALTO), its recent survey of members has shown high levels of dissatisfaction with the way the ODTR carries out its functions. ALTO members include companies such as Esat, Worldcom, Cable & Wireless and NTL.
ALTO said that in its survey the ODTR had been rated "well below average" and "below average" in terms of satisfaction in areas such as commercial awareness, clearness of strategy, and transparency.
"This is a very difficult time in the industry and the ODTR must act as champion of competition. The results of this survey indicate that they have failed to fill this role to date," said ALTO's chairman, Iarla Flynn
ALTO members also said they there was a lack of awareness and understanding by the ODTR of the economic difficulties facing the industry and called for the ODTR to demonstrate more transparency by "engaging in a more pro-active and constructive manner with operators."
"For the market to grow on a sustained basis we need a clear statement from the ODTR as to what its priorities are and when and how key issues will be tackled. Operators also need transparency in terms of the analysis behind these conclusions," commented Flynn.
The major concern for new entrants, Flynn told ElectricNews.Net, was the high costs of access to mobile networks and Eircom's networks, and he called for the ODTR to act immediately to reduce these costs.
"For instance, payments for access to mobile networks cost operators over EUR300 million per annum and this cost is being passed on to consumers. Since both Vodafone Ireland and Digifone have significant market power the ODTR can under law force them to offer rates at cost price and that it what we are looking for. At the very least, the ODTR should announce an investigation into their price regimes and set interim rates in the meantime," remarked Flynn.
In response, the ODTR told ElectricNews.Net that it was surprised at the statement given the "extensive" contacts it has with individual operators and with ALTO itself, which are not reflected in ALTO's statement.
"ALTO is well aware of, for example, the substantial progress that has been made on leased line delivery over the last twelve months, the progress with unbundling the local loop, the launch of the 3G competition and discussions that are taking place with respect to the mobile market and in particular termination rates," said a spokesperson for the ODTR. The spokesperson added that the ODTR operates an "extensive consultation process" with the industry.
ALTO also said that its members regarded the introduction of Communications Bill, which gives the ODTR increased powers, as a top priority for the government. Flynn said that the Bill, which has been published, should be passed into law before the upcoming general election.
However, the Dail is only due to sit for a handful days between now and the announcement of the Election. Flynn though said it was still possible for the Bill to be enacted during that time.
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