The Internet service provider (ISP) market in the Republic is to face further competition with the arrival of a new Belfast-based ISP.

Direct Net Access (DNA) Internet has announced plans to launch commercial and residential services in the greater Dublin area.

Over the longer term, DNA has said it intends to offer its service throughout the Republic. Its introductory package will include dial-up Internet access for £95 (€120) a year, via a 56K modem. Subscribers can avail of multiple email addresses, unlimited free Web space, and no initial set-up charges. DNA will also be offering domain name registration, website hosting and Web design services to business customers. DNA also allows customers to view its network through a live, publicly accessible online monitoring system.

Users can view graphic displays at www.dna.ie showing DNA's pool of modems, the bandwidth in use and available, the status of the company's equipment and servers and a minicam interior view of DNA's offices and staff at work.

According to Mr Martin Lyons, managing director of DNA, the time is ripe for another ISP to enter the Republic's market. "Observation and experience of the Internet market in Ireland shows that it is currently serviced by a relatively small number of Internet Service Providers, most of whom are owned by State enterprises. This provides for limited competition with a wide disparity between business and residential costs".

Mr Lyons points to Britain where there are around 200 ISPs, and a highly competitively priced market. He says deregulation of the State's telecommunications market prompted DNA to extend its operations into the Republic.

DNA is Northern Ireland's largest local ISP, and it also provides local call access services to companies and residential users in England, Scotland and Wales. The company hosts the majority of Northern Ireland-based websites and domain names.