A survey by employers' group IBEC has found that 47% of companies outside Dublin feel 'inadequately served' by their current telecommuncations infrastructure.
It says this compared with only 22% in Dublin, according to the research by IBEC's Telecommunications Users Group.
But the findings show increased satisfaction with some services, such as mobile coverage in urban areas and the ease of transfer between competing operators.
The TUG's Liz Clear said businesses in Dublin were now reasonably well catered for. But she said that in rural areas, or even on the edge of large towns, 'high speed communications services are simply not available'.
The survey shows that only 36% of companies believe the telecoms regulator has done a good job, down from 54% last year, while 92% found roaming charges 'expensive' or 'very expensive'.
The TUG has called for more transparency in telecoms pricing, and has urged the Government to encourage take-up of group broadband schemes.
