Irish Network Leaps to Take Most New Subscribers

Irelands third network operator, Meteor says that that attracted the largest share of new PrePay subscribers to its network in the first nine months of this year. Meteor says that it added 52,815 new prepay subscribers to it's network, which is 41% of the total number of new prepay subscribers. Vodafone had a 40% share while 02 had a 19% share, influenced by a dramatic slide in 02's performance in the prepay sector in the third quarter of the year.

These figures are based on official ComReg statistics for the first six months of the year and publicly released figures from Vodafone, 02 and Meteor for the third quarter. It is expected that these statistics will be reflected in the upcoming ComReg Quarterly Report for the third quarter at which point Meteor expects to have it's market share revised upwards to 5%. This will be at the expense of 02 who are expected to drop to 39%. Vodafone will remain unchanged.

ComReg's recent submission to the Oireachtas Committee on Communications confirmed Meteor's competitive success, pointing out that in the prepay market where Meteor is active Irish consumers pay the third lowest prices in Europe. However in the Postpaid market where Meteor has not been active Irish consumers pay the third highest prices in Europe.

"It should be noted that PrePay makes up 70% of the overall market and this clearly indicates that Meteor is now the second player with the majority of the consumer market and is quite definitely making a major impact on the competitive landscape" said Stewart Sherriff.

Meteor's coverage footprint also finally reached each of the 26 counties in the Republic last week and the network also offers full service in Northern Ireland through roaming agreements with all four operators there.

The first Meteor mobile phone calls were made in Bundoran, County Donegal, confirming that 085 network coverage now extends to every county in Ireland."

Posted to the site on 1st December 2003