Ireland announces broadband access for all

Mobile operator 3 to fill in rural edges with wireless mobile connectivity

Ireland connects last 10 per cent of population to internet

The Republic of Ireland has announced a scheme to provide broadband nationally, with mobile operator 3 extending its network to connect the last 10 per cent of Ireland’s population to the internet.

The €220m National Broadband Scheme (NBS) was announced by Ireland’s communications minister Eamon Ryan, with the delivery contracted to 3 after a competitive tendering process.

“For too long, rural Ireland has been without this essential service. Today’s announcement is a boost for the rural economy, improving and strengthening quality of life for rural residents and communities,” said Ryan.

There are more than 1.2 million broadband subscribers in Ireland and the 10 per cent of the population without access occupy about a third of the country by area. Eight per cent of those currently without broadband will use satellite services for their connectivity.

Complete coverage of Ireland is scheduled for September 2010, with half of those without broadband expected to be connected by the end of 2009.

Service provision initially will have a minimum download of 1.2Mbit/s, with two speed upgrades planned for the lifetime of the contract. The service from 3 Ireland will cost €19.99 per month plus a €49 connection fee including hardware. There will be an uncharged monthly cap of 13GB of download data for the wireless product and 10GB for users having to use satellite connections.

Ireland's approach contrasts with that of the UK where the government has resisted state investment in broadband rollout, although the forthcoming Digital Britain review is widely expected to include new incentives to encourage private sector development.