Brussels, 02/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Irish telecommunications regulator (ComReg) is to reduce the internet access rates charged by Eircom, by means of a measure authorised on Friday 2 October by the Commission. ComReg will force the Irish incumbent operator to reduce the costs it charges to the internet access providers which use its network. Eircom, which operates the telephone network in Ireland, charges fees to other users to access the last segment of the telephone lines. It is via this access, known as “local loop unbundling” (LLU) that the operator is able to offer its clients internet access. However, Eircom's current rates also cover the operating costs of local loops which are not used by any operators. ComReg's measures will require the tariffs to be recalculated, taking account only of the loops which are used, bringing about a reduction of 30%. The objective, states the national regulator, is to bring down internet costs for the consumer, to increase the connectivity of the Irish population and thereby its social integration and productivity. (C.D./transl.fl)