Smart network could create thousands of jobs, says Minister

A new Smart network, a technology for high speed communications, could create thousands of jobs, it was claimed today.

The Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan is due to announce details of testing the new technology this morning.

The Smart network would involve a single infrastructure for all digital communications.

Multinational and Irish IT and entertainment companies will be involved in the testing and subsequent roll-out of the network.

Eighty jobs will be created in the first phase, with thousands more coming on stream with the eventual roll-out across the country.