Eircom to offer DSL and live sport

Eircom has given details of a number of initiatives to further improve broadband availability and help drive broadband take-up through the country.

An additional 100 telephone exchanges across the country will be capable of offering digital subscriber line (DSL), or high-speed broadband.

The exchanges are located in all 26 counties and this further investment will be completed during 2007.

An eircom spokesperson said the company is committing to take all broadband orders placed within the five urban centres of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway. In total, 120,000 extra telephone lines will be able to support broadband due to these initiatives.

In a separate move, the content from Setanta Sports will be live via broadband to eircom customers. This arrangement with Setanta will be free of charge to all existing and new eircom broadband customers and will provide exclusive and live access to Setanta Sports through broadband.

In addition, a video on demand (VOD) service will allow seven days access to recent programming on Setanta Sports.

Broadband customers will now be able to watch live sporting events including football from Barclay’s Premier League, Scottish Premier League, Eircom League and Setanta Sports Cup, golf such as the USPGA Tour and selected European Tour Events, GAA action like the National League, All Ireland Championship (delayed) and the Dublin County Championship, and rugby matches from the Magners League and Leinster Schools Rugby.

Eircom chief Rex Comb said the announcements underline the company’s commitment to broadband.

He said: “These moves not only boost availability, but also enhance broadband's relevance. The provision of live sports available over the internet will encourage customers to get more from their broadband.”

Mark Mohan of Setanta Sports said: “This is a significant deal for Setanta Sports and will mean that Eircom broadband customers will have access to the best in sporting content.”