Limerick firm e-net to manage Govt broadband

Limerick company e-net has been given the contract to manage the Government’s broadband programme.

The job also involves maintaining and operating the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) on behalf of the Government.

Under the deal, e-net will manage the €65m Government-funded broadband networks which have been installed in more than 26 towns around the country.

A total of 120 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the deal, 65 directly in Limerick city.

e-net will operate as a wholesaler, making broadband available to telecoms operators.

The agreement provides for revenue sharing with the Government of income generated over the 15 years of the contract.

The firm provides cost-effective telecommunications products and services to authorised operators on a wholesale basis.

“We are committed to the development of the regions through encouraging the open delivery of affordable, state-of-the-art broadband services,” a company spokesman said.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern praised the company at the official start-up of e-net.

He also praised the IDA for working with the firm in taking on the job on behalf of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

Dermot Clohessy, head of Regional Development and Property with the IDA, said that the roll-out of the MANs was a highly-significant development.

“It will create choice and competition in the delivery of telecomunications services to a range of IDA clients across the regions.

The availability of broadband communications was of increasing importance as a determining factor in attracting inward investment.