The new single billing system should improve competition in Ireland's telecom market, according to the quarterly report from the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

It says that 17,000 customers have taken up the service since it was introduced on June 1st.

Single billing allows customers who are not with Eircom to receive all their costs on one bill. Previously, using a provider other than Eircom meant receiving two separate bills, one from Eircom for line rental and one for calls from the other authorised operator (OAO).

Currently three providers offer the service; Smart Telecom, Access Telecom and Esat BT. Eircom's overall share of the market stands at 80 per cent.