Eircell, the State-owned mobile phone operator, is to create 75 jobs in Cork. The company is also investing £9 million to provide more coverage and capacity in the Munster area. The jobs will be at the company's National Directory Assistance Centre in Cork and will double the number of current staff. Around 6 million directory enquiry calls are handled at the centre each year.

Eircell's chief executive, Mr Stephen Brewer, said this is expected to grow to 9 million next year. He added that Eircell is investing in its network at a rate of up to £2 million per week.

Mr Brewer said one in 12 people now own a Ready to Go prepaid mobile phone.