The employers' body IBEC has warned that the delay in allocating licences for third generation mobile phones is damaging Ireland's reputation and competitiveness.
The telecom regulator had set a June 1 deadline for issuing the licences, but that has already lapsed and Ireland is in danger of missing a new deadline set for the end of this year.
The delay came about due to a disagreement between Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy and the telecom regulator over the level of fee to charge for 3G licences.