Nine broadband licences awarded by ComReg

Irish broadband has been awarded nine licences by ComReg under Phase 2 of the FWALA 3.5GHZ licensing scheme.

The new service will be able to provide high speed, always-on, wireless internet access to business and home internet users in centres nationwide.

Towns covered include Athlone, Arklow, Ennis, Kilkenny, Letterkenny, Newbridge, Portlaoise, Wexford and Carlow.

Paul Doody, managing director, Irish Broadband said: "Following on the initial licence awards of last year these new licences provide Irish Broadband with a platform to provide our service on a nationwide basis.

"We are investing in developing and upgrading our offering and will be in a position to move into these new markets within the coming year."

In the first round of 3.5 GHz band licences announced in Novermber 2003, Irish Broadband secured seven licences - for Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Drogheda and Dundalk.

In early May, Irish Broadband commenced its nationwide rollout with a launch in Cork.

Rates currently start at €30 per month for home users and €45 per month for business users.