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The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte, T.D., has congratulated the Chairman of ComReg, Mr Alex Chisholm, on his new role, announced today, as Chief Executive of the UK Competition and Markets Authority.  The Chairman informed the Minister last week of his plans to take up an appointment with the UK Authority, commencing in March.  He was appointed to ComReg in 2007, and has served as Chairman of ComReg for over three years.

Praising Mr Chisholm’s five year tenure as ComReg Commissioner,  Minister Rabbitte said “In his role as Commissioner and Chairman, Alex has made a strong contribution to the development of stable regulation, including a strong emphasis on consumer protection, competition and investment. These have been important factors in the significant increased level of penetration of telecommunications technology, including mobile, fixed line and broadband. In addition, effective regulation, through price regulation, access and consumer protection, has allowed consumers greater choice and more competitively priced packages. We are continuing to see growth in these markets which is so important for social and economic growth.”

Minister Rabbitte also noted that Mr Chisholm as Chairman of ComReg played an important role in the recent highly successful multi-band spectrum auction which will generate €855m in Exchequer  income and facilitate the rollout of high speed mobile broadband services.  “Working with the team in ComReg, Alex Chisholm has played a key role in this very positive outcome” Minister Rabbitte said. 

In conclusion, the Minister thanked Mr Chisholm for the contribution he has made to effective regulation during his tenure at ComReg and wished him well in his new role.

Mr Chisholm has agreed to continue as Commissioner until early March.