The fixed-line telephone is no longer a familiar sight in Irish homes as more phone users rely solely on mobiles to make and receive calls, a new survey has found.
Just 70 per cent of people surveyed by the communications regulator (ComReg) said they had a fixed line at home, compared to more than 80 per cent in 2003. Some 84 per cent of those interviewed had a mobile phone.
"Household penetration of landline telephone services varies according to the profile of the respondent. Younger respondents, those from lower income groups and those who live in rented accommodation are least likely to have a fixed line subscription in the home," said ComReg.
Older consumers are the most likely to have a landline because the Department of Social Welfare offers free line rental to those aged 70 and over. Only 34 per cent of people living in rented accommodation have a fixed line phone, compared with 81 per cent of home owners.
The ComReg survey also found that 82 per cent of fixed-line users are Eircom customers.
Respondents to the poll said they hadn't changed providers because it was "too much hassle to receive two bills - one for line rental and one for calls".
However, ComReg noted that a regulatory product called wholesale line rental allows consumers to benefit from cost savings with alternative telecom operators and receive just one bill for both rental and calls.
