Kieran Foley reports
Cllr Jason Murphy.
The local authority’s new 0761 system was introduced in order to deliver a more cost effective service, according to Cllr Jason Murphy (FF).
Speaking at the January plenary meeting of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr Murphy queried the new service.
“The 0761 number is being charged as an out of bundle service by some providers,” he said.
Cllr Murphy said these calls were being charged at 35 cent per minute.
He explained that an average call to the council lasts 15 minutes – which would equate to a cost of €5.25.
“Many people engage with the council on a mobile phone, particularly the elderly because of the loss of the telephone allowance,” he said.
Cllr Murphy called on the council to write to service providers asking them to include the 0761 number as part of their bundles.
“I don’t think this should be allowed to continue and I would like if the council could write to service providers Vodafone and 3 and ask them to include the 0761 service in their bundles,” he said.
“As far as I’m aware it’s only Tesco Mobile that includes the 0761 number in their bundles,” he added.
CEO of Waterford City & County Council Michael Walsh said the council would communicate with the relevant service providers.