DPFAY@vax1.tcd.ie (02/19/91)
Telecom Eireann, the state-owned Irish telecom monopoly plans to
introduce time-related charges for local calls, replacing the current
system of one charge unit of 11.17 p (about US$0.19) per call
irrespective of duration. The company says that this will bring
Ireland into line with the rest of Europe and that the extra revenue
will be used to reduce trunk (LD) call charges.
The move has provoked hostile reaction in the media, particularly in
Dublin, where the local call area covers 1.2 million people. Many
users have complained that TE is abusing its monopoly and claim that
in the U.S., competition between telcos has led to local calls being
free.
What is the general situation in the U.S. re local call charges? From
reading comp.dcom.telecom, I know that it varies from place to place.
However, there isn't actually competition for local service, is there?
By European standards, Irish local calls work out cheap and LD calls
expensive. How do they compare with typical charges elewhere?
cost per minute
Local (up to c.25 miles) 19c (irrespective of duration)
LD up to 30 miles 11-19c
30 to 50 miles 23-38c
over 50 miles 38-57c
All calls charged in units of 11.17p. Prices converted to U.S. cents
at a rate of 11.17p = 19c. Business/ residential rental is 10 pounds
(c. $18) per month.
Replies to DPFAY@VAX1.TCD.IE
Deryck Fay