Broadband Operator, SIRO And Athlone Chamber Of Commerce Meet To Discuss Connectivity For Westmeath Businesses

Broadband operator, SIRO, and Athlone Chamber of Commerce met this week to discuss critical issues and opportunities related to the rollout of high-speed fibre broadband in Athlone and the wider county.

At the meeting, SIRO, which has grown to Ireland’s second largest full fibre broadband network, outlined to Athlone Chamber of Commerce representatives, SIRO’s rollout in Athlone, Westmeath and across the wider Midlands; take-up rates of fibre broadband by Westmeath businesses; and what copper switch off will mean for local businesses.

To date, SIRO has invested €50 million in the Midlands, enabling 41,000 premises to access its high-speed network. This investment ensures that 113,000 people across the Midlands can benefit from SIRO’s advanced broadband services. In Westmeath alone, SIRO has passed 17,460 premises, including 7,340 in Athlone and 10,120 in Mullingar.

A key topic discussed was the importance of increasing awareness of the availability of fibre-to-the-premise broadband (full fibre) amongst Westmeath businesses. In Westmeath, as is also the case nationally, there remains a low awareness of amongst businesses of fibre access in their area.

Equally, greater information on what are the benefits fibre broadband can deliver for businesses relative to older forms of broadband is also required. Low adoption rates by businesses means that businesses risk missing the opportunity to enhance their operations through a faster and more reliable connection, according to SIRO.

The issue of copper switch off was also considered at the meeting. In December 2023, Ireland’s telecoms regulator, Comreg, approved the conditions for how the process of switching off the outdated copper broadband network can proceed.

The need for Westmeath businesses to avoid a cliff edge scenario by switching to faster, more reliable fibre broadband was emphasised. This includes upgrading business devices currently dependant on copper broadband such as security alarms, CCTV, lifts, payment terminals and landlines, amongst others.

SIRO’s Director of Corporate Affairs Amanda Glancy, commented:

“Athlone’s Chamber of Commerce has its finger on the pulse of what matters to businesses in Athlone and across Westmeath. The opportunity to discuss with the Chamber the connectivity opportunities and challenges faced by local businesses is very welcome.

“Fibre broadband network rollouts have accelerated rapidly across the region, making it critical that businesses seize the opportunity to leverage the better connectivity they provide.

“Full fibre broadband allows businesses – big and small – to tap into technologies that can help them develop and grow. With fibre broadband now powering everything from AI applications, security and CCTV systems, payment systems to video calling and Cloud computing, it can really support business productivity and profitability.

“With copper switch off now moving closer it is also a good time for businesses to consider their connectivity needs now and into the future,” added Ms. Glancy.

Athlone Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Tommy Hogan, stated:

“Ensuring that businesses in Athlone and Westmeath stay competitive in a digital-first world is a top priority for Athlone Chamber of Commerce. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with SIRO to highlight the importance of high-speed, reliable fibre broadband. As the copper switch off approaches, it’s essential for our members to be informed and prepared for this transition. Faster connectivity will open up new avenues for growth, innovation and operational efficiency across the town and region.”

As part of SIRO’s broader information campaign in Westmeath, it will hold an information event in The Harbour Place Shopping Centre in Mullingar on Saturday, 21 September. Consumers and business owners are encouraged to pop along if they have any questions on SIRO’s full fibre broadband for their home or business.

To check if your home is on the SIRO network, search your Eircode today.