More details on ntl's Dublin phone shutdown

ntl decided to shut down phone service in Dublin on Monday due to concerns about equipment possibly overheating, according to the Irish communications regulator ComReg.

As DS reported, the cable operator recommended that the 2000 subscribers affected by the service suspension "contact an alternative telecoms provider with immediate effect." In a statement, ntl blamed a "safety issue associated with its domestic direct telephone equipment."

Later on Monday, ComReg chief John Doherty issued the following statement:

"ComReg understands that ntl is concerned that the equipment which they installed in customers’ homes may, in certain circumstances, constitute a potential safety hazard through overheating.

"While noting the efforts the company has made to contact all customers, ComReg believes that more publicity should be given to the issue to ensure customers act on ntl’s advice. In this regard, ComReg believes that an information notice should be placed in newspapers to inform ntl telephone customers about this matter.

"ComReg has been in discussion with ntl since the weekend after the company had taken steps to inform their customers. In addition to considering issues concerning the equipment, ComReg has instructed ntl to take immediate steps to minimise the impact of the interruption of its customers’ telephone service."

The regulator ordered ntl to set up a free phone hotline for affected customers to obtain both information on the issue and advice on restoring phone service. ComReg also said that ntl should provide call forwarding service so that customers can continue to receive incoming calls on their ntl number once they have established service with a new provider.

Doherty concluded: "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."