3's market share reduced to 5.8%

COMREG HAS restated its second-quarter 2010 mobile phone market share statistics after it emerged earlier this year that 3 had overstated its active pre-pay customer base here.

As a result, 3’s share of the market at the end of the second- quarter, including mobile broadband subscribers, has been reduced to 5.8 per cent. It was previously listed as 9.2 per cent at the end of the first-quarter.

When mobile is excluded, its share is 2.5 per cent. This compares with 6.1 per cent at the end of the first-quarter this year.

In a statement released to The Irish Times, the company said: “3 takes its reporting responsibilities very seriously and notified ComReg of the error.

“As a result, 3 has put a new reporting system and procedure in place and has now drawn a line under the matter.

“3 is confident of its continued growth, and our most recent financial figures show that total revenue increased by 9 per cent in Ireland in 2010.”

Looking to 2011, 3 said it will diversify into new markets including “machine to machine” and wholesale network business.

“Devices that support IP services will drive increased revenue streams for 3, and the availability of cost-effective smartphone devices will help drive customer acquisition,” it added.

“3 is committed to the Irish market, and is here for the long-haul.”

ComReg’s amended report shows that Vodafone remains the biggest mobile operator in Ireland with a 40.3 per cent share.