The Government’s Digital Connectivity Strategy (DCS) aims to have all Irish households and businesses covered by a gigabit network by 2028. A fibre network is faster, consumes less energy and is more reliable than a copper network.
The main copper network is owned by Eir (a private entity) and as such the ongoing operation and maintenance of it is a matter for them. Should Eir choose to proceed with Copper Switch Off, it is required to submit a formal switch-off proposal to ComReg which will then be subject to ComReg approval and a clearly defined process.
This process which seeks to safeguard consumers during the transition from copper is laid out in the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) Decision D09/23, ‘Framework for the Migration from Legacy Infrastructure to Modern Infrastructure’.
In addition to D09/23, ComReg also published “Guidance for Retail Service Providers on Customer Migration from Copper-Based Electronic Communication Services – Management of Migration and Future Copper Switch-Off’ (ComReg Ref 24/76). This document provides guidance to Retail Service Providers (RSPs) on how to manage the Copper Switch Off migration process with a particular focus on steps that should be followed in relation to catering to vulnerable customers.
ComReg has a dedicated email address to directly address queries from members of the Oireachtas at oireachtas@comreg.ie
