Great contacts: Ireland now has broadband on speed dial

After more than a decade of snail- paced internet, Ireland is to enjoy high-speed broadband nationwide as two deals to provide fibre-optic services were unveiled yesterday.

The first involves Eircom’s rollout next month of fibre-optic broadband to homes and businesses, while ESB and Vodafone are gearing up to implement a joint venture that will ensure a similar service to every county in the Republic. The Government has also pledged that homes and businesses in Ireland will enjoy high-speed broadband through state-led intervention in communities where commercial services are unlikely to be provided.

Communications Minister Alex White made the announcement yesterday as he welcomed the latest developments which will see fibre-to-the-home delivered to at least 500,000 homes and businesses across Ireland.