Businesses to benefit from new broadband network

A new broadband network is set to provide high speed internet access at affordable prices for businesses outside Dublin, it emerged today.

The outdated network in many parts of rural Ireland has deterred many companies from establishing their bases there.

Now the 24 local broadband networks set up by the Government are to be linked together so that companies can offer high-speed internet access to businesses across the regions.

Communications Minister Noel Dempsey said it was a landmark development.

“The announcement today represents another significant step towards the goal of ubiquitous, affordable, true broadband in every region in the country,” he said.

Local authorities have laid the fibre optic cables to build the broadband facilities, known as metropolitan area networks, in dozens of small towns and cities across the country at a cost of €70m. A further 41 towns will be connected to the network at a cost of €55m.

All telecoms companies will be able to offer broadband services through the network such as video on demand and fast internet access, and the competition is designed to provide cheaper prices to businesses.

The difference in speed between a traditional internet connection and a broadband network connection has been described by E-net, the State company which manages the networks, as like ‘a cart-horse versus a Ferrari’.

Under the deal signed today, E-net will work with ESB Telecoms and BT Ireland to provide the service.

“This deal brings the best services currently available globally to the regions of Ireland,” said its chief executive Michael Tiernan.

“By interconnecting these fibre networks, e-net, BT Ireland and ESB Telecoms are opening the market to true competition and lifting Ireland’s broadband profile internationally.”