Three companies have applied for the fourth third generation mobile phone licence, according to the communications regulator ComReg.
The applications from Eircom, Meteor and Smart Mobile will now be considered by ComReg. The licence on offer is a 'B' licence to provide 3G mobile services for a period of 20 years.
The B licence will requires the winning bidder to provide as a minimum coverage of the five major cities (53%) and somewhat slower minimum roll-out conditions compared with the A licence.
Eircom has announced plans to buy Meteor for €420m, but the deal is subject to approval by shareholders and competition authorities.
Vodafone, O2 and 3 Ireland hold the existing licences.
