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Just like the other European countries, Ireland operates a GSM network. The cell phone penetration is very high and most inhabitants own a mobile phone.

Mobile Phone Providers in Ireland

There are a number of telephone networks in Ireland. Each mobile telephone network is operated by a different provider.

In order for a mobile telephone service provider to gain access to the market, they must be licensed by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

The telephone companies that you can find in Dublin (Ireland) are:

• Meteor.ie
• Tesco Mobile
• Vodafone
• Three

Mobile Phone Contracts in Ireland

To get a mobile contract you will need a passport or ID card. A contract can be easily terminated or changed on a monthly basis. An exception are contracts that come with a phone, in which case a contract cannot be terminated earlier than within at least 6 months/1 year, depending on the service provider terms and conditions.

Each of the mobile telephone service providers offers different packages to consumers. There are some basic points you need to consider for choosing the right deal:

• Personal Use: Evaluate how much you use the phone, when, where you are calling, how often you use short message services (SMS), if you use the phone abroad, etc.
• Coverage: Most important if you live in a remote place or regularly using the mobile while traveling in the countryside as most companies offer decent coverage.
• Fees & Rates: Each operator offers several different plans and options. Investigate the plans carefully and evaluate your needs.

ComReg's website allows consumers to compare mobile phone charges across all operators. The site assists consumers to select the optimum mobile phone package, based on their individual usage.

Pay As You Go Phones in Ireland

Prepaid cards are popular and provide a simple way for calling within Ireland and internationally, sending SMS and using mobile Internet. Prepaid cards can be bought (as well as topped up) in most stores and kiosks, as well as post offices and gas stations.

The most popular prepaid cards in Ireland are:

• Lycamobile
• Tesco Mobile
• Meteor
• Three
• Vodafone
• Id Mobile - The newest Irish mobile provider

Mobile Phone Roaming in Ireland

EU regulations in effect since 15 June 2017 mean that mobile phone customers will be charged the domestic retail price for calls, texts and data when travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA) - see article: The end of roaming charges within Europe. ComReg advises customers to check with their roaming service provider to confirm their data allowance before travelling.

You can read more information about mobile phone roaming on ComReg's website.