Ireland's poor performance in delivering broadband internet access has been slammed by a new European Commission report.
Broadband availability in Ireland is at just 10%, significantly lower than the EU average, while the cost of access is the highest.
The commission says the best performing countries like Denmark, which, at 30% has the world's highest availability rate, and Holland have intense competition.
The commission blames weak regulation of the telecoms sector here.
The lack of competition in Ireland is illustrated by the wholesale charges. This is the amount in monthly line rental eircom charges other broadband suppliers before they can sell on to you. At €15 a month, it is the highest in Europe.
The commission says COMREG, the telecoms watchdog, lacks teeth.
It has had little success forcing change on eircom, as the most the company can be fined under current Irish law is just €3,000.
