Despite permission to postpone liberalization until 2003, Ireland allowed cellular telephone competition in 1997. And the residual government stake was sold in 1999, resulting in the largest single privatization in Irish commercial history. There is a major upgrade planned for Cablelink network planned. Most other Irish cable companies are small and consolidation is anticipated. Television signal piracy is endemic in the culture.
Enforcement creates serious political repercussions, leading to inadequate interdiction.