When buying technology components from independent retailers and from Maplins, I always ask at the counter, “Is that your best rate?” And at reception desks, I ask hoteliers, “Am I on the corporate rate?” Most clerks just tick a box on the reservation card and I get the price of a meal taken off just for asking.

In my experience, cheeky as it seems, there’s always something available for the taking. Just ask.

how so? Last time I checked, their healthcare and insurance offerings were indistinguishable from the others. That sounds like just putting up the *appearance* of competition, once again.

Maybe someone should ask him kindly to move into telecommunications ( or maybe someone should follow his ways)

I’ve always felt that this idea also applied to Irelands two main political parties.

hmm, interesting! Must look into that.

I wonder how much of it really is unique conditions over here. remember when Eircom were claiming 10 years ago that DSL couldn’t be rolled out in Ireland because we had a uniquely low-density population? This was of course bullshit — the nordic countries, even Northern Ireland, have similar situations and no problems — but the press and radio pundits swallowed it for several years until IrelandOffline finally debunked it, and Eircom had to give it up.

I wonder how much of our “unique conditions” are similar excuses that have become received wisdom.

Also: how do you churn broadband? the shitty, Comreg-approved terms of service are such that you’re going to get your DSL disconnected, and be offline for a month, while the switchover between operators takes place. nice work Comreg.

In my limited view of them, this rules also seems to apply to Ireland’s two major political parties.