About 100 people switched their mobile provider yesterday, following the introduction of a system that enables customers to keep their phone number and prefix when they switch firms, writes Jamie Smyth, Technology Reporter

Several customers reported delays when they tried to change their numbers, but industry sources said the system had held up reasonably well on day one.

Most experts believe the new system, which cost about €30 million to establish, should boost competition in mobile phone market in the Republic. At present 96 per cent of the market is held by Vodafone and O2.

Meanwhile, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) delayed a decision on the fees that broadcasting firms will have to pay under a new European regulatory framework which was introduced yesterday.

In a paper on the framework, ComReg said it would delay a decision until it had considered the matter further. The fees that ComReg proposes to levy are controversial because cable firms NTL and Chorus - who already pay fees for administrative purposes - say they should not pay any charges because their rival, BSkyB does not have to pay them.

ComReg is currently suing Chorus for unpaid fees, which are due for the second quarter 2003.