The ground has finally been cleared by the Office of the Director of Telecommunications for the provision of dual-band mobile telephone services in the Republic. The GSM1800 megahertz spectrum will now combine with the existing GSM900 megahertz spectrum. This means Eircell and Esat Digifone will be able to offer customers better coverage in rural areas, and improved call-handling capacity in built-up urban areas. It will also facilitate both companies' plans to provide a range of new data services, and the arrival of a third mobile operator on the market.