Customers would have access to broadband Internet and data services on a "flat-rate basis" through a wireless local-loop network before the end of the year, Ms Terri McNulty, chief executive officer of Formus Communications Ireland said yesterday.

Formus Communications Ireland, one of four companies awarded a broadband wireless licence by telecoms regulator, Ms Etain Doyle, would begin rolling out its network and should launch its service in October, said Ms McMcNulty.

The award of the licences had been held up by legal action taken by Broadnet Ireland against the regulator's award of a licence to Eircom. But a settlement will enable the regulator to proceed with the award of three licences to Formus Communications, Esat Telecom and Princes Holdings, as early as June 10th.

Ms Doyle has agreed to rerun the selection process between Eircom and Broadnet for the fourth licence. This is to be awarded no later than July 31st.

Broadband wireless local loop services enable users to have high speed Internet access and data transmission without the need for ISDN cabling which can be costly and time consuming to install.

The services, which could generate millions of pounds in revenue, should boost broadband competition and reduce costs in the Republic where access via Eircom's local loop will remain restricted until April 2001.

At the announcement of the plans Ms McNulty introduced board member Mr Gary Hart, former US senator and presidential candidate.

Formus Communications Ireland is a joint venture between US multinational Formus Communications and Dublin-based European Access Providers headed by Mr Rory Ardagh.