By Andrew Kennett

What is this about? What is a line splitter? What makes it illegal?

Simply put, a line splitter (also known as a DACs or a Pairgain) does exactly what the name implies: it splits a single phone line into two. Sounds good? Well, not really. Take a look at this picture, it’ll show you what a line splitter really does.

Seems unreal, but this is what every person with a splitter has to put up with. I never asked for my line splitter, nor did anyone else. I wanted my own full line so I could use my 56k modem and upgrade to DSL later, but instead I’m stuck with half a line and I’m paying full rental on it.

Line splitters cannot be legally installed since April 2002, and you should not put up with it. If you are hobbled by one and want to "break free", write to Eircom demanding its removal and send a copy to ComReg as reference.