A new survey shows that 85% of respondents are satisfied with mobile coverage at their home, and 86% outside their home.
The Mobile Consumer Experience Survey for 2025, from the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), also reveals that 33% of all respondents had experienced loss of signal in the previous month, with rural respondents more impacted.
Today's survey shows that handset ownership is almost universal across the country, and of those with a handset, 93% own a smartphone.
It also reveals that most mobile phone users own an Apple or Samsung device, with the two brands having a combined 85% market share. Consumers also use a smartphone for under two years before buying another device.
Meanwhile, the incidence of consumers owning refurbished (second-hand) smartphones has doubled to 13% of respondents since the last survey in 2022, which ComReg said underscored positive momentum toward more sustainable technology choices.
It also said that the mobile phone market remains "sticky" with only 17% of respondents switching in the last three years.
ComReg said that price drives decision-making in this space, with 53% of respondents noting this as their first reason for switching.
Price is also the main reason for consumers to stay with current plans, with 44% of those not switching noting price satisfaction as the key reason for this," it added.
The switching process is relatively simple, with 64% noting it was extremely easy, ComReg said.
The regulator said its survey show an "engaged" user who is consistently spending significant time on their device, with calling and messaging ranked as most important followed by social media, emailing, and general browsing.
63% of respondents to its survey are bill pay customers. The average monthly spend for bill pay customers is €39.75, while pre-pay customers are spending €19.84 on average per month.
ComReg Chairperson Garrett Blaney said the results of today's survey demonstrate the important role mobile services continue to play in people's daily lives.
"While new use cases can be seen in comparison to previous iterations - such as generative AI services for personal and work use - traditional mobile services such as voice calls and SMS messages are still ranked as the most essential services by respondents," he said.
"The adoption of 5G and satisfaction with coverage, as seen in the survey, show that the evolving needs of consumers are met," he added.
