The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) yesterday lifted a series of emergency directives blocking telecoms firms from connecting calls to certain countries.

The decision to remove the emergency measures will enable consumers to make direct dial telephone calls to 13 countries in the South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Africa.

ComReg had asked firms to place certain restrictions on direct dial calls to protect consumers against online fraud originating from the 13 countries.

But, in a decision notice yesterday, it said it was now lifting these measures due to a better co-ordinated approach with the industry.

The measures had provoked anger from several of the affected countries, including the Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands, which were concerned that banning direct dial calls would hurt trade.