Almost 30 years have passed since the State awarded the second mobile phone licence to Denis O’Brien’s Esat Digifone, a controversial transaction that was investigated by a tribunal of inquiry. In the decades since, O’Brien has sold the business, using the proceeds to build a telecoms empire in the Caribbean. He has since ceded overall control of the resulting Digicel to his bondholders but still ranks as one of the country’s richest men.  The consortium that finished second in the 1995 tender process, however, continues to pursue the State through the courts over the decision. O’Brien is also a defendant…

Want to continue reading?

Join today with an Annual membership and get full access to The Currency for just €200 (68c per day) or try monthly membership for just €5 for your first month.

Subscribe

Cancel at any time.

Are you already a member? .