Telecoms regulator Comreg yesterday criticised Eircom for its poor performance in installing phone lines for new customers and repairing faults and set new standards for the company to meet.

On installation times, Comreg said all connections should be made within six months and that 80 per cent of requests should be met within 24 hours or two weeks, depending on the request.

"Comreg's concerns include the welfare of customers who are having to wait more than six months and in some cases over a year for connection to the public telephone system," a statement from the regulator said yesterday.

On fault repairs, Comreg has has ruled that 80 per cent of repairs must be completed within two working days and 95 per cent by the time agreed with customers.

"Comreg is concerned that Eircom's performance has deteriorated over the last two years, that the high levels of faults experienced in 2006 and 2007 compare unfavourably with international experience, and that this poor performance has significant negative consequences for consumers," it said.

Eircom chief executive Rex Comb declined to comment on Comreg's new standards.