Smart Telecom loses appeal over 3G licence

Troubled Irish operator Smart Telecom has lost its legal appeal against the regulator ComReg’s decision to withdraw its offer of the final 3G mobile phone licence in Ireland. On 16 February 2006 the telecoms watchdog accused the firm of having failed to meet the conditions of its original offer for the last remaining 3G licence and said it was not awarding the concession. Smart refuted the regulator’s accusation and soon after launched a legal appeal to enforce the award. At the High Court Commercial Court yesterday, Mr Justice Peter Kelly ruled in favour of ComReg, leaving Smart empty-handed and considering its next move.