Comcast Drops Esat Licence Case – Irish Times
Comcast has ceased its two-decade-long legal battle concerning the Irish mobile phone license, a case rooted in alleged corruption tied to the 1996 awarding. The communications giant’s decision to discontinue proceedings against Denis O’Brien, the State, and Michael Lowry marks a significant turn. while Comcast exits the arena,other plaintiffs,including Ganley International Ltd and Sigma wireless Network,persist in their legal challenges. This case, which saw allegations of impropriety, stems from the awarding of the license to Esat Digifone. Self-reliant TD Michael lowry views Comcast’s withdrawal as vindication. For comprehensive news, News Directory 3 has the latest coverage. Discover what’s next for the ongoing legal fights.
Comcast Ends Ireland Mobile License fight After two Decades
Updated May 26, 2025
Comcast International Holdings has discontinued its High court case concerning the awarding of Ireland’s second mobile phone license. The multinational communications corporation initiated the proceedings over two decades ago. The mobile phone license dispute centered around allegations of corruption.
The legal action, launched in 2001, targeted the Minister for Public Enterprise, the State, businessman Denis O’Brien, and Michael Lowry, a member of Irish Parliament. Comcast contested the 1996 award of the license to O’Brien’s Esat Digifone.
Comcast,along with Ganley International Ltd,GCI ltd,and Declan Ganley,had claimed the selection of Esat Digifone was unwarranted and resulted from corruption. O’Brien,the State,and Lowry,who was Minister for Communications at the time,denied these claims.While Comcast has ended its action, Ganley international Ltd, GCI ltd, and Ganley are continuing their legal pursuit. Separate proceedings by Persona Digital Telephony Ltd and Sigma Wireless Network also remain active.
A 2011 Moriarty tribunal report concluded that Lowry “secured the winning” of the mobile phone license for Esat Digifone and received payments from O’Brien demonstrably related to the license award. Both Lowry and O’Brien have consistently disputed these findings.
Declan McGrath, representing Comcast, informed Justice Emily egan that a resolution had been reached with the State, O’Brien, and Lowry. The court was told that Comcast’s proceedings against the defendants could be discontinued, and Comcast’s name could be removed from the proceedings’ title. McGrath also stated that Comcast would discharge 50% of any past or future cost orders.
Lowry, now an Independent TD, welcomed Comcast’s withdrawal, stating it “represents a vindication” for department officials and “proof of no impropriety.” He reiterated his rejection of the moriarty tribunal’s findings, asserting the assessment and award process was ”fair, impartial, lawful.”
The assessment and award process was fair,impartial,lawful,and the withdrawal by Comcast international is evidence of this fact. It is indeed a justification of my repeatedly stated position that there was no wrongdoing in relation to the award of the mobile telephone license in 1996.
What’s next
The legal challenges from Ganley International Ltd, GCI Ltd, Persona Digital Telephony Ltd, and Sigma Wireless Network regarding the awarding of the mobile phone license to Esat Digifone will continue to be pursued in the courts.