Vodafone has accepted the 3G licence offered to it by the ODTR last July. Vodafone said it had notified the ODTR earlier today and has made the necessary initial payment for the B licence.
On August 14, the telecoms regulator had extended the deadline for payment of Vodafone's fee for its third generation mobile licence until September 12.
Paul Donovan, CEO Vodafone Ireland, said that accepting the licence was the right decision for the company and its customers, employees and partners.
The time extension was used to conduct a full review of the company's business plans taking account of all external issues that might have an impact on its plans to deliver a 'robust' 3G service.
'Following this review, we are satisfied that while there are considerable technical and economic challenges, we have a very solid business case and will be in a position to offer compelling and competitive 3G services to our customers,' he said.
Hong Kong-based Hutchison Whampoa agreed in June to pay €50.7m for its A licence, which provides for at least 80% population coverage. The B licence includes minimum requirements of 33% coverage by the end of June 2008. O2 was awarded the second B licence.
