Consultation and Proposed Decision on the review of GO plc's application for funding relating to the provision of universal service obligations on electronic communications services during 2020

In accordance with national law, an undertaking designated with the obligation to provide universal services in the electronic communications sector, has the right to submit a claim for compensation for any unfair burden it may consider having suffered for providing part or all of the universal services.

The MCA received a written request from GO plc (GO), as the designated universal service provider, seeking compensation for the net costs it claims to have incurred for the provision of universal services during financial year 2020. The MCA has commissioned Ernst & Young Limited (EY) as an independent body to review and verify the application submitted by GO. Following the review and verification exercise carried out by EY, it was determined that GO had incurred an element of unfair burden for providing the following universal services, namely, public payphones, comprehensive electronic directory and social tariffs.

GO’s USO funding application also included the intangible benefit derived from brand enhancement through the provision of universal services. After deducting this market benefit from the overall burden incurred, the total net cost was established at €158,892.

The consultation period shall run from the 18th July to the 21st August 2025.

Closing On: Thursday 21st August 2025