First we had 088, then 087 (Vodafone), 086 (O2), 085 (Meteor) and 083 (Three) – this coming summer, we’ll be introduced to 089 thanks to Tesco Mobile which will launch in 2007, backed by O2.

The service, according to news reports, will initially launch as a pre-pay option, introducing post-pay options before the end of 2007. Given the sheer number of Tesco stores in Ireland, coupled with the company’s reputation for being able to introduce serious competition and lower prices across the board, Tesco’s mobile introduction should make for an interesting shakeup to the Irish mobile market.

Tesco already have a similar structure in place in the UK where they’ve already gained more than 1,000,000 customers.