Decision notice on the Review of GO plc's application for funding of the net cost claimed to have been incurred to provide universal service obligations during 2019

In accordance with national law, an undertaking designated with the obligation to provide universal services has the right to request compensation for the net costs it considers to have incurred to provide part or all of the universal services. The MCA received a written request from GO plc, as the designated undertaking, claiming compensation for the net cost it considers to have incurred in providing universal services in the electronic communications sector during financial year 2019. The MCA has commissioned Ernst & Young Limited (EY) as an independent body to review and verify the various calculations on the universal services provided. The claim also took into consideration intangible benefits which were deducted from the total net cost.

In August 2024, the MCA published a consultation document on the review of GO plc’s application following the verification exercise carried out by EY which established that GO had incurred an element of unfair burden amounting to a net cost of €107,940. During the consultation period, the MCA received feedback from one respondent (an individual) and the MCA wishes to thank this respondent for the interest shown in submitting their response.