IRELAND still faces an uphill challenge if it is to achieve a quality nationwide broadband internet network in the short-to-medium term, an industry conference was told yesterday.

THE Competition Authority said yesterday it has approved Vodafone Ireland’s proposed purchase of the consumer and small business broadband operation of BT Ireland.

BT and Vodafone today received approval from the Irish Competition Authority to progress the strategic partnership announced on July 22 this year.

BT and Vodafone have today agreed a strategic partnership which could lead to a more competitive telecoms network in Ireland.

VODAFONE is issuing a further challenge to its rivals by offering landline and fixed-line broadband packages at 20% cheaper than its rival Eircom.

THE Irish Management Institute has postponed its annual two-day conference this year, replacing it with a less glitzy think-tank at its headquarters.

DESPITE being one of eight captains invited to Croke Park to launch the 2008 GAA Football Championship yesterday, it came as no surprise that most people wanted to talk to Graham Canty about the 2007 version instead, and the final in particular.

Vodafone Ireland, the country’s biggest mobile phone company, has bought Perlico, the telecom firm which provides phone and broadband services.

VODAFONE Ireland increased its customer base by 10,000 to 2.2 million during the three months to the end of June, as group revenue hit £8.3 billion (€12.3bn).

Mobile phone giant Vodafone said its markets in Europe continued to be challenging as it posted figures in line with expectations today.