General Price Transparency

The Communications Act 2002 requires ComReg to ensure that transparent and up to date information on prices and tariffs are available to consumers in respect of access to publicly available electronic communications services. Regulation 18 of the S.I. 308 of 2003 Universal Service and User’s rights requires ComReg to ensure that up to date information on prices and tariffs is also available to consumers. In issuing Decision Notice D11/04 ComReg Code for Tariff Presentation, ComReg fulfilled its role to ensure transparency of tariff information for consumers. The basic principles were set down for operators.

• Tariff information is accurate
• Tariff information is comprehensive
• Tariff information is accessible

ComReg remains aware that in the current Telecommunications market it is difficult for users to compare and contrast operator prices and in 2005 ComReg launched a new website called www.callcosts.ie to help assist consumers in comparing the cost of mobile phone packages. In 2006 the website was expanded to include home phone and broadband packages. ComReg is confident that this website is a useful resource fo consumers to make informed decisions and will enhance the level of competition in the market.

DQ price transparancy

Feedback from a consumer survey Doc 04/30c ComReg Residential Telecoms Survey indicated that there was a low awareness of tariffs for using Directory Enquiry services despite the heavy usage of the service. As part of its statutory functions ComReg has a requirement to ensure that consumers have access to acccurate and comprehensive tariff information on examination of this ComReg undertook to consult on access to tariff information on directory enquiry (DQ services), Consulatation Paper 04/58 and published its Decision Notice D12/04 on foot of views collected in the consultation. This decision was taken in accordance with Regulation 18 of the Universal Service and Users’s Regulations 2003 and Section 12 of the 2002 Communications Regulation Act.

Three directions were issued to DQ providers

1. When advertising or promoting a service a directory enquiry service provider shall indicate the applicable charges , or indicate where such information can be obtained.
2. The cost to abtain this information should not exceed the cost of a local telephone call and the DQ provider should also publicise their separate customer service number in printed material.
3. The Directory Enquiry service provider shall make available printed tariff information in response to requests from consumers.

A Directory Enquiry service provider shall also provide tariff information when its offers call completion services. Consumers should be advised of the cost of using the service from most landlines and should be advised that costs will vary depending on their network provider.