Eircom connects one millionth customer to fibre broadband

Eircom now has over one million customers connected to their fibre broadband service, the company announced.

The one millionth premises was connected in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry, at the San Antoine bed and breakfast in the town.

Eircom claims its progress in rolling out the higher-speed network is faster than similar companies in Germany, the UK, and the US. It now plans to have connected 1.6 million premises by the end of 2016.

The current plan from the company is to make the higher-speed network available in every town in the country with a population of 900 or more residents.

Minister Alex White, who was at the event in his capacity as the new Minister for Communications, said the rollout of the fibre network was important to enhance the quality of internet services around the country.

In his first statement on the broadband network since assuming the role, he also said he is "firmly committed to providing high speed services in those areas where there is currently no case for commercial investment."

"This is a priority for government and for my department and will involve an ambitious build-out of infrastructure and services in rural Ireland."

"Our ultimate goal is to ensure that quality, future-proofed high-speed broadband services are available to everyone in Ireland, irrespective of where they live,” he said.

The owner of the B&B which became the one millionth connection, Alan Landers, also runs a local computer club to teach children how to code.

He said a fast connection was essential for his business as international visitors expect a reliable broadband service while travelling.