ComReg keeps tabs on NTL's 'overheating' phones

Ireland's telecoms regulator is to keep an eye on NTL after it suspended the phone lines of 2,000 customers in Dublin because of concerns over the safety of some telecoms equipment.

ComReg told NTL to minimise the disruption of those affected by seeing if other phone providers could help provide new services and to reimburse the cost of switching providers.

The regulator's intervention comes as NTL suspended part of its phone service over fears that kit in people's homes "constitute a potential safety hazard through overheating".

Said ComReg bigwig John Doherty: "ComReg will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that NTL complies with its obligations. NTL is required to protect its consumers and the company must offer an alternative provider without delay and without exposing them to additional costs associated with such a transfer."

A spokeswoman for NTL Ireland said that the cableco had already complied with most of ComReg's requirements.

However, she declined to comment on the exact nature of the potential hazard or how long NTL has been aware of the problem, citing "legal reasons". ®

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