eircom home phone line frequently asked questions

Q. What is a PSTN access / line?

PSTN is short for Public Switched Telephone Network. This refers to the international telephone system based on copper wires, which carry analogue voice data. This is in contrast to newer telephone networks based on digital technologies, such as ISDN.

Q. If I move premises can I keep the same number?

Sometimes. If you are moving within the same exchange district it is often possible to retain your current phone number, this will be confirmed to you in the mail sent confirming your order.

Q. Can I make calls using another telephone company over an eircom phone line?

Yes. You can choose to route your calls through an eircom competitor. You can do this by pre-selecting an operator, and pre-selecting which calls you wish to route. You may choose from the following options:

1. All calls.
2. National calls only.
3. International calls only.

Q. If I route all my calls through a competitor do I still need to pay eircom rental?

Yes, as eircom owns the network, you will continue to be billed €25.36 (inc. VAT) per month from eircom for line rental. Your call charges will be billed from your chosen operator.

Q. When should I upgrade from PSTN to eircom broadband or eircom hi-speed line?

If you have a slow connection, you spend more time online downloading files. This can be costly. Upgrade to eircom broadband or eircom hi-speed and quicker download times generate cost savings.

eircom broadband gives you very fast connection speeds to the Internet (up to 2MB). This means you can download web pages, emails and files in super fast time. To use eircom broadband you will need to sign up to an eircom broadband package. Find out more about eircom broadband.

An ISDN line is like having 2 PSTN lines. You get two telephone numbers, this means you can surf the net and receive phone calls simultaneously. ISDN has far more bandwidth capacity than PSTN, you can download data and transfer files far quicker than with a PSTN line. Find out more about eircom hi-speed

Q. What additional equipment do I need to connect to the Internet?

There are several ways in which you can connect to the Internet

eircom broadband gives you very fast connection speeds to the Internet (up to 2MB). This means you can download web pages, emails and files in super fast time. To use eircom broadband you will need to sign up to an eircom broadband package. Many of which come with a free router. The router is the device that enables your computer to send and receive information to and from the Internet. Find out more about eircom broadband.

If you are unable to get eircom broadband you might want to consider eircom hi-speed. eircom hi-speed allows you to talk while you surf. Keep your present phone number and receive an extra phone number for your second line. Find out more about eircom hi-speed

You can also connect to the Internet with a standard line - using a dial up connection to an Internet Service Provider - using a computer and a modem, or a set top box connected to a keyboard and a digital TV.

Q. How long does it take to get connected?

If your home previously had a phone line, we may be in a position to have your new line connected within 1 working day.

If your new home doesn't have a working telephone line, your connection will take approximately up to 20 working days (or longer in some cases during promotional periods) for your eircom phone line to be fully activated.

Q. I want to disconnect my phone service, what should I do?

If you want to cancel your phone service, ring 1901 and choose bill enquiry. Remember to have your account number to hand.

Q. How can I tell if my line in the house can be activated by eircom without a call out from a technician?

You can confirm that all line work is intact by plugging a phone into the socket. If the line has been ceased and the socket is in working order, you will hear a recording advising you to contact your preferred telecommunications service provider.

Q. How much does it cost to get reconnected following disconnection due to late payment of bill?

€23.05 (inc. VAT) - You are required to pay your eircom bill within 14 working days of it being issued.

VAT is currently charged at 21%.

Q.Is there a minimum contract term for new residential phone lines?

Yes there is a minimum term contract of six months, from the completion of your order, which applies to all PSTN Residential lines ordered on or after the 30th November 2009. Customers subject to a minimum term contract will be liable for, and agree to pay to eircom, a termination charge if the Agreement is terminated during the relevant minimum period.

Q.How much will I be charged if I cancel my line or move operator within the minimum subscription period?

You will be charged a prorated charge of €18 per month for residential lines cancelled within contract to the end of contract term.