500k Homes To Benefit From Broadband Roll-Out

500,000 homes and businesses across Ireland are to benefit from investment in fibre-to-the-home broadband services being rolled out.

Telecommunications companies have so far invested some €2.5bn in the Irish telecommunications market, according to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Eircom has announced it will commence rollout of fibre-to-the-home services to 66 communities in 26 counties from November.

Earlier this year, ESB and Vodafone announced they would to enter a joint venture partnership in which ESB’s distribution network will be used to deliver wholesale fibre-to-the-home services. This will reportedly deliver services to 50 towns in 26 counties, with roll-out commencing in 2015.

"The commercial sector is showing clear leadership in delivering quality services to customers. The Government intends to follow this with an ambitious investment in rural Ireland, ensuring that everyone has high speed, high quality broadband regardless of where they are located," communications Minister Alex White said.

"Fibre-to-the-premises is a leading edge product. Whether the fibre goes to the home or business, this is a truly future-proofed product with the capacity to deal with multiple demands, devices and applications. It will bring a level of connectivity to homes and small businesses that will serve generations to come."

(IT/CD)