Eircom, Meteor, Three and UPC have had their knuckles rapped by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

They were found to be non compliant with a European Directive on Consumer Rights, regarding contract cancellation.

The Commission has issued compliance notices directing the companies to cease certain practices.

The companies were found not to have informed customers clearly of their right to cancel a contract, or about the cancellation periods.

The Commission also found that Eircom and Meteor failed to tell consumers of their right to cancel.

They now have to write to the affected consumers to inform them of their cancellation rights.

Commission chair Isolde Goggin said: "It is clear from an analysis of the contacts we receive that a significant number of consumers have problems with their telecom providers. This is why we have reviewed the sector and have taken the resulting action."

"Under the (Consumer Rights Directive) consumers have stronger rights than ever and they should know what their rights are, so that they can avail of them if they need to," she added.