SIRO and Vodafone Announce Connectivity Partnership With Galway’s Latest Innovation Hub

SIRO and Vodafone have today announced a connectivity partnership with Galway’s CREW, Creative Enterprise, and Innovation Hub, a new shared and own-door enterprise space for businesses in the creative digital enterprise sector that is scheduled to open in early 2024. CREW will join Vodafone-SIRO’s GigaBitHub Initiative, which provides world class Gigabit full fibre broadband connectivity to digital hubs across Ireland. The CREW (Creative Enterprise West) Enterprise Hub will support enterprises in the CREA-Tech sector, defined as where creativity meets technology. The sector includes digital design, film and TV production, virtual production, animation, gaming, content development and immersive technologies. It is estimated that there are already 3,000 businesses working in this sector in the West of Ireland. Seizing the opportunity to grow the sector and jobs within it further is a key focus for government. The CREW Creative Enterprise Hub will provide individual office spaces, co-working spaces and hot desks for 160 people working within the CreaTech sector; offer incubation and accelerator programmes; and offer wider outreach services beyond the Hub across the Atlantic region. CREW have already confirmed several high-profile clients who will base themselves at the Creative Enterprise Hub, Ireland’s first Hub dedicated to this sector, these include Screen Ireland, the national development agency for the Irish film, television and animation industry, Ardán, which supports individuals within the film, TV, games and animation industries and global animation company, Triggerfish. [caption id="attachment_8799" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SIRO and Vodafone announce connectivity partnership (as part of their Gigabit Hub Initiative), with Galway’s latest innovation hub – Creative Enterprise West (CREW). The Hub is set to open in early 2024 and is focused on supporting businesses in creative arts[/caption] There are a number of offices and desks available for startup companies, SME’s and individuals wishing to base themselves at CREW. CREW “Creative Enterprise West” is a collaborative initiative led by Atlantic Technological University’s School of Design and Creative Arts (ATU Galway City, Wellpark Road), the Western Development Commission (WDC) and Ardán. Funding for the hub was received from Enterprise Ireland (EI) through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. The Hub, which is expected to open early in 2024, is a new purpose-built facility located on the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway City (Wellpark Rd) campus, just one mile from Galway city centre. Vodafone-SIRO’s GigaBitHub Initiative is centred on providing reliable, resilient and future proofed connectivity to digital hubs across Ireland. It empowers hubs by providing them with high-speed, high-quality full fibre broadband. The GigaBitHub Initiative commenced in 2016 with the aim of enabling remote working and digital hubs with broadband connectivity, allowing both the hub and their users to run and grow their businesses seamlessly. Since then, the Initiative has partnered with 21 hubs in every corner of Ireland, from Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen to The Base in Stranolar in Donegal. CREW will be the third Galway hub to join the Initiative, with PorterShed in Galway City and Comworks in Loughrea already members. Commenting on the Vodafone-SIRO connectivity partnership CREW CEO, Niamh Costello, said: 

“CREW’s Creative Enterprise and Innovation Hub is set to be a game-changer for the CREA-Tech sector in Galway and the West. With world-class connectivity provided by SIRO and Vodafone, our members will have the tools they need to drive innovation, collaboration, and growth in this fast-growing industry. “We look forward to working with SIRO and Vodafone to elevate Ireland’s Creative Industries sector as a global frontrunner. This collaboration empowers our members with the essential connectivity resources and networks to thrive on a world stage.”

Vodafone Ireland Network Director, Sheila Kavanagh, stated:

“Since our Gigabit Hubs initiative started in 2017, we have welcomed its impact as the hubs have made significant contributions to the local economies and communities in which they operate. “Our latest connectivity partnership with Galway’s CREW Innovation Hub, will further build on the opportunities available to the people of Galway, ensuring that they can pursue their CREA-Tech careers within the area they are from and can benefit from a better work life balance.”

SIRO CEO, John Keaney, said:

“Galway has always been synonymous with both the creative arts and a strong tech sector, so it is really fitting that the city will now have a dedicated creative enterprise hub to further develop and grow this sector. “The CREW Hub will help elevate the West’s creative industries sector empowering individual and businesses to unlock the opportunities enabled by digital technologies. This includes developing new creative technologies, collaborating remotely with other enterprises and reaching wider global audiences. The SIRO-Vodafone partnership we are announcing today will provide the connectivity foundation which makes these ambitions possible,” added Mr. Keaney.

For more on CREW, visit: www.CrewDigital.ie   SIRO is currently accepting applications for GigaBitHub applications within our network footprint. For more information, please visit https://siro.ie/about-us/gigabit-hubs/

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland, Charlie McConalogue TD, Friday last, 6 October officially opened the Inishowen Innovation Hub, in Buncrana.  Inishowen Innovation represents a significant milestone towards fostering disruptive technological advancement, entrepreneurship and economic development in the Inishowen Peninsula, and wider North-West Ireland City Region.   The state-of-the-art 700sqm space for start-up and scaling disruptive technology businesses, features gigabit fibre broadband provided by Vodafone and SIRO, along with office space, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities, and access to essential tools and technologies.   It is co-funded by Donegal County Council and the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF), made available by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and administered by Enterprise Ireland.   Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD stated:  

“It is my honour to formally open the Inishowen Innovation Hub in Buncrana today. This hub will be a game changer for Buncrana, Inishowen and the North West and will help current businesses and new businesses flourish in the area. My thanks to all those involved for their hard work in making this day happen.” 

Inishowen Innovation will serve as a dynamic centre for collaboration, creativity, and growth where digital startups and tech entrepreneurs are given the support they need to harness their innovative ideas and drive positive change in the region.   It also meets the demand for remote working space and offers a satellite location for global companies looking for a European base. It is already home to 25 clients and is a testament to the Irish governments commitment to creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to grow and innovate.  Maebh Conaghan, Regional Director West and North-West Regions, Enterprise Ireland, said:  

“The Inishowen Innovation hub in Buncrana is focused on supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Inishowen Peninsula and the North West Region, with a particular focus on fostering disruptive technological advancement. Enterprise Ireland has been proud to support the hub with funding of €1.1 million under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) to support that goal. We are delighted to see this fantastic new facility formally opened today which will provide a real boost to the region.”. 

The Governance structure of Inishowen Innovation includes representation from Donegal County Council, ERNACT and ATU Donegal, with ERNACT responsible for managing the development of the project and providing management and financial services to Inishowen Innovation. Other key stakeholders and advisors are drawn from CoLab, Donegal Education and Training Board, Forward Emphasis International, Inishowen Development Partnership, Spraoi agus Spórt, Tata Consultancy Services, and Ulster University.   Speaking at the launch, John McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Donegal County Council added:  

“The investment by Donegal County Council and Enterprise Ireland into the development of Inishowen Innovation is fundamental to the development of Inishowen’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Building an entrepreneurial disruptive tech community in the region is at the core of this new building. It provides a space where technology start-ups and innovators will be supported and nurtured.” 

Sinéad Bryan, Managing Director of Vodafone Business said:  

“Since the beginning of the Gigabit Hub Initiative, we have seen many communities realise the benefits that come with smart working and world class connectivity. This vital infrastructure that has helped to promote rural parts of Ireland as destinations for international business, as businesses look to grow and scale to their full potential.   “The Inishowen Innovation Hub will support the creation of employment opportunities for the people of Donegal and the surrounding communities as well as positively impacting the local economy and further closing the digital divide for future generations.” 

John Keaney Chief Executive Officer, Siro, noted:  

“The Inishowen Innovation Hub is proof of the impact and potential of reliable and resilient connectivity to underpin business entrepreneurship and economic development in every part of Ireland. SIRO is pleased to bring its full fibre network to the heart of this hub, and the wider Donegal community, each day to ensure that people can live and work locally; start and develop their businesses and support economic growth throughout the county.”

Anyone starting a new tech business, looking to use disruptive technology to improve their business, or looking for state-of the art co-working facilities can learn more about Inishowen Innovation at www.theii.com.   For more information on Inishowen Innovative, please email annemarie.mclaughlin@theii.com or call 087 458 6097 SIRO is now accepting applications for GigaBitHub applications within our network footprint. For more information, click here.

Comworks Enterprise Hub, a new remote working and enterprise hub in Loughrea, officially opened on Friday last, 22 September. The opening was undertaken by Minister of State at the Department of Health Anne Rabbitte T.D., who has been a strong supporter of the project from the outset. The Hub, located in Railway House on Station Road, Loughrea, offers over 7,000 sq feet of office space for companies big and small. Facilities include 100 desks, separate meeting and collaboration space, a podcast studio and kitchen and coffee dock area. Comworks has also entered into a connectivity partnership with SIRO and Vodafone as part of the latter’s GigabitHub initiative. The Initiative supports digital hubs across Ireland with fast and future proofed connectivity. SIRO is currently building out its full fiber network in Loughrea, with the Comworks Enterprise Hub expected to go live on its’ full fibre network later this year. This will ensure that the hub and its users enjoy access to fast and reliable broadband. Drawing inspiration from the success of the PorterShed in Galway City, Comworks is poised to demonstrate the immense potential that high quality hubs in rural settings can play in fostering innovation, collaboration, and community. Developed by Jonathan Madden, a native of Tynagh, County Galway, Comworks is a testament to a decade-long journey in remote work. Madden's experiences, spanning multiple countries and hubs, have culminated in the creation of Comworks—a hub designed to combat the challenges of remote work, from isolation to social anxiety, and to leverage its many benefits such as collaboration, entrepreneurship and innovation.  The official opening was undertaken by Minister Rabbitte with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Key industry leaders, including Vodafone Director of External Affairs Edel Briody, SIRO CEO John Keaney and Galway Rural Development CEO Steve Dolan, as well as representatives from Galway County Council, the IDA, AIB, LEO amongst others were all in attendance. Commenting at the launch, Comworks Manager Jonathan Madden noted:

“Comworks is more than just a workspace; it’s a space that would not be out of place in Grand Canal Dock in Dublin City but instead it's nestled in beautiful rural Loughrea, which has faced significant challenges since the 2008 recession. “With young talent emigrating and businesses closing, towns and villages were left desolate. However, the rise of remote work, supported by reliable broadband connectivity, offers a second chance. By repurposing a building vacant since the 2008 crash, Comworks is leading the charge in revitalising rural Ireland”, added Madden.

Vodafone Interim Director of External Affairs Edel Briody: “Through our GigabitHub Initiative our goal has always been to empower local business and communities through connectivity. We are delighted to connect Comworks and look forward to seeing the value, demand and need for smart working in the Galway region continue to grow.

“At Vodafone, we are committed to enhancing digitalisation in both urban and rural areas, and helping to address the digital divide that exists in many towns and villages in Ireland. Like Comworks, we see the importance of creating equal opportunities for businesses in both cities and in rural areas.’’

SIRO CEO John Keaney noted: “SIRO has rolled out its full fibre broadband network already to 135 Irish towns and cities, providing reliable connectivity to over 520,000 homes and businesses.

“SIRO’s build works are ongoing in Loughrea and will complete later this year, with Comworks officially joining the Vodafone-SIRO GigabitHub Initiative at that point. “Fast and resilient fibre broadband is now a key component in the success of any business. We are pleased that Comworks and the companies based in this new and welcome addition to Loughrea will benefit from a robust, trusted and futureproof broadband”, added Mr. Keaney

SIRO is now accepting applications for GigaBitHub applications within our network footprint. For more information, please visit https://siro.ie/about-us/gigabit-hubs/ 

On 30 August, the traditional CAO Round One kicks-off. The process is one in which those hoping for a college place eagerly wait for an offer, hopefully, for their course of choice and at their preferred college or university.  However, for these fresh-faced freshers looking forward to commencing their college journey, the thought of undertaking a second college course at some point in the future might be furthest from their minds. But, for many people who completed their education in years or decades past, returning to study is something which they are now considering.   For potential mature students, whether they had the college experience first-time around or never got the opportunity to go further after completing secondary school, undertaking further education is much more challenging. The nature of their lives has become much more demanding and complex than might have once been the case.  Family or work commitments, busy lifestyles with more demands on personal time or the financial priorities of mortgages and other day to day expenses, all make perusing college education as a mature student more difficult.   Despite this, we are seeing new routes to further education emerge in response to these challenges. There are many examples of flexible education emerging. Fully online and remote education is expanding, micro-credentials and short courses, which over time can be built into bigger degree or master's qualifications, are all growing in number and popularity.   Reliable and future proofed connectivity enabled through increasing access to fibre broadband networks across Ireland is supporting the trend toward in Ireland.   However, for many in Ireland fully remote further education can sometimes come with at least two disadvantages. Firstly, if you live in a part of Ireland where fibre broadband networks have yet to be rolled out, engaging with online education can be difficult. Or secondly, if you work and learn better in a group setting with classmates then online education can feel isolating.  

New remote studying initiative aims to make studying more accessible

Luckily, a new pilot higher education initiative is seeking to offer a solution to both of these issues for mature students. In June, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris introduced a new initiative “‘Learning in the Hubs’”, which will allow third-level students to carry out their degrees from their local connected hub. “Learning in the Hubs” is being rolled out initially in the Midlands under a strategic partnership between Connected Hubs and the Technology University of the Shannon (TUS).   For students, this means they can attend lectures and complete course work in a group setting, from the closest connected hub to them. To start, two new courses will be offered at 13 remote working hubs. The courses are as follows: Certificate in Business in Entrepreneurship (Level 6), and Bachelor of Business (Hons) (Level 8) degree programme.  

Which hubs are participating in this initiative?

The location of the hubs offering these courses are as follows: Ballinasloe, Birr, Boyle, Edenderry, Edgeworthstown, Mountmellick, Mountrath, Mullingar, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Tullamore.  In August, Dundalk’s Creative Spark and Skibbereen’s Ludgate Hub recently announced that they too will join the initiative.   [caption id="attachment_8534" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Powered by SIRO, The Ludgate GigaBitHub in Skibereen has recently joined the Learning In The Hubs Initiative[/caption]

How does SIRO play a part?

We are committed to rolling out our fibre broadband network to towns and cities across Ireland. As this work continues and our country moves ever closer to a full fibre Ireland, we also need to focus on the use cases for our network. The delivery of public services such as eHealth or online education are two obvious areas where reliable connectivity can improve the lives of our citizens.  With a number of existing Connected Hubs already utilising our full fibre broadband network, we welcome this initiative which focuses on empowering students to receive their third-level education locally. The initiative is a pilot programme, with the opportunity to offer the programme as a larger mainstreamed initiative further down the line being explored.   Having access to reliable, future-proofed connectivity will support the development of sustainable communities in smaller towns nationwide, making these towns more attractive places to live, work and invest in.   For more information on the ‘Learning in the Hubs’ initiative read here.

Find Out More Information on the GigaBitHub Initiative

[caption id="attachment_8159" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] (L-R, Aoife Cheung, Office Manager, Portershed, Amanda Nelson, CEO of Vodafone Ireland, Mary Rogers, CEO of PorterShed, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, Amanda Glancy, Director of Corporate Affairs, SIRO, Sheila Kavanagh, Network Director, Vodafone Ireland, Anthony Shaughnessy,Community and Production, PorterShed)[/caption] The official opening coincides with the organisation's 7th birthday. Founded in 2016 the PorterShed has to date supported the creation of more than 835 high value jobs in the region. The new building, funded by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment through Enterprise Ireland's Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) initiative, will become home to an additional 200 indigenous tech startup members, offering a collaborative innovation space, access to SIRO and Vodafone’s full fibre broadband, production studio, boardroom podcast studio, rooftop garden, and conference rooms. PorterShed has already established itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship under the banner of Galway City Innovation District, creating a down-town innovation community in the heart of Galway City. [caption id="attachment_8156" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] (L-R, Sheila Kavanagh, Network Director, Vodafone Ireland, Robert Marshall, Senior Public Affairs, Vodafone Ireland, Amanda Nelson, CEO Vodafone Ireland, Amanda Glancy, Corporate Affairs Director, SIRO.)[/caption] Speaking at the official opening, Minister Coveney said he continues to be impressed by the growth of the tech sector in Galway and acknowledged the impact of the PorterShed in the region since it first opened in 2016.

“I am delighted to be here today to officially open PorterShed a Dó in the heart of Galway city. This remarkable state-of-the art facility in the former iconic Connaught Tribune Building will play a central role in enabling the growth of scaling enterprises in the West and further afield. The opening of Portershed a Dó, supported by over €2.9m in funding from my Department’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund, will further cement Galway’s reputation as hub for innovation and provide high potential businesses with the space and support they need to flourish and prosper. It is an example of one of the many enterprise initiatives the Government has supported throughout the country. The West Regional Enterprise Plan is responsive to the opportunities and needs of the region and focuses on regional collaboration. PorterShed is an example of the power of that collaboration, and I hope and expect that it will inspire similar initiatives in the region. I wish the centre and all the companies and entrepreneurs that avail of the facilities on offer every success for the future.”

[caption id="attachment_8157" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] (L-R, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, speaking with Siren, member of PorterShed present with Mayor of Galway, Clodagh Higgins, Sheila Kavanagh, Network Director, Vodafone Ireland, Senator Sean Kyne, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health, Hildegard Naughton, Mary Rogers, CEO PorterShed, Robert Marshall, Senior Public Affairs, Vodafone Ireland, and Amanda Nelson, CEO, Vodafone Ireland.)[/caption] Maurice O'Gorman, Chairperson of PorterShed, said:

"We are thrilled to be celebrating our 7th birthday by opening this new building, which will provide even more opportunities for tech startups to innovate and grow. We are grateful for the ongoing support of Enterprise Ireland who have been pivotal partners and funders for the PorterShed since 2016.”

John Keaney, CEO of SIRO, said:

 "We are pleased to be a part of the PorterShed story. Launched in 2017, the GigaBitHub Initiative has enabled digital hubs across Ireland to thrive by providing enterprise-grade symmetric, full fibre broadband. In 2022, the Portershed became the 17th hub to join the initiative, and we are proud to have played a role in supporting the growth and development of startups and innovative businesses in the Galway region. We look forward to continuing our partnership with PorterShed and supporting their mission to foster a culture of innovation in the community.”

[caption id="attachment_8158" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] (L-R, Amanda Glancy, Corporate Affairs Director, SIRO, Amanda Nelson, CEO, Vodafone Ireland)[/caption] Amanda Nelson, CEO at Vodafone Ireland said:

‘It is fantastic to see hubs just like the PorterShed continue to go from strength to strength. Today’s opening of PorterShed a Dó, demonstrates the continued value, demand and need for smart working hubs throughout the country. Through our Gigabit hub initiative our goal has always been to empower local businesses and communities through connectivity. The PorterShed is a shining example of what’s possible when we look at how connectivity can enable and enhance the work life balance of the people it serves, ultimately allowing them to pursue their careers within the area they are from, without sacrificing their quality of life or being forced to move to larger cities or abroad’’

The PorterShed is also supported by AIB, KPMG, Enterprise Ireland and The Western Development Commission. SIRO and Vodafone are currently seeking applications for the GigaBitHub initiative. For more information, please visit www.siro.ie/gigabit-hub For more information about PorterShed and its new building, please visit www.portershed.com

[caption id="attachment_7972" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Director of The Cube, Caroline Hofman[/caption]   Thursday, 30th March 2023 saw the official opening of the GigaBitHub, The CUBE, by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney. The 10,000 square foot Low Carbon Centre of Excellence is a dedicated centre for the development of new business and economic activity. It’s goal is to support and assist a transition to a low carbon economy for County Laois.   Portlaoise Town has been designated as Ireland’s first ‘Low Carbon Town’ which will serve as a roadmap for the development and rollout of similar low carbon initiatives in other towns around the Country.   This low carbon facility is the first of its kind in the region and is located in the heart of Portlaoise’s Cultural Quarter. It will support and stimulate the development of enterprise and jobs in Laois and the Midlands region.   The CUBE is funded by Enterprise Ireland under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. The project pivots around Government plans and strategic directions, including Project Ireland 2040, the Climate Action Plan to tackle Climate breakdown, and the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024.  The Cube is the 18th GigaBitHub to be announced under SIRO and Vodafone’s GigaBitHub initiative and is the first to open under its second phase.   [caption id="attachment_7971" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] L-R, SIRO Corporate Affairs Director, Amanda Glancy, Charlie Collins, Senior Strategic Partner, VF Business, John Keaney, SIRO CEO, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, Public Sector Account Executive, Ryan Brophy  Lisa Corcoran, Head of SME Business, Vodafone Business Ireland[/caption] Present at the launch included: Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Conveney, Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Thomasina Connell, SIRO CEO, John Keaney, Cube Tenants, including FRS Recruitment, WrkWrk, and Midlands.ie, Laois County Council CEO, John Mullholland, Enterprise Ireland Divisional Manager, Carol Gibbins, and Head of SME Business at Vodafone Business Ireland, Lisa Corcoran.   [caption id="attachment_7970" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] L-R, Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett and Corporate Affairs Director at SIRO, Amanda Glancy[/caption] Speaking on the announcement, the following comments were made:  Speaking at the opening Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD said:  

“I am delighted be here today to officially open the CUBE in Portlaoise, Ireland’s first ‘low-carbon’ town. This remarkable state-of-the art facility, will play a central role in enabling the growth of scaling enterprises across the Midlands and further afield, supporting this critical agenda to reduce energy consumption.   The opening of the CUBE, supported by over €2m in funding from my Department’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund, will see the positive contribution by low carbon businesses to economic prosperity in the long-term and I believe will serve as a roadmap for the development and rollout of similar low carbon initiatives in other towns around the country.” 

[caption id="attachment_7969" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] L-R SIRO CEO John Keaney, Head of SME Business, Lisa Corcoran, Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Thomasina Connell, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, Divisional Manager & Head of Regions and Local Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland, Carol Gibbins, and Director of The Cube, Caroline Hofman[/caption] Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Thomasina Connell added: 

"Not only will the centre provide support and assist businesses in the transition to a low carbon economy, but it will greatly assist the local community in their efforts to address energy consumption and retrofitting.” 

Commenting on the announcement, SIRO CEO, John Keaney, said: 

“The SIRO-Vodafone GigaBitHub Initiative has connected 18 hubs to date.  “The Cube” is the first GigaBitHub of its kind with a commitment to driving sustainability within its local and regional communities. We’re excited to support “The Cube” in its goal to help Ireland’s journey to carbon neutrality.   It resonates with SIRO’s mission to be Ireland’s greenest broadband network, as SIRO’s full fibre network is inherently more sustainable, requiring less energy and maintenance when compared to copper or cable networks. We’re delighted to support The Cube in its mission in making Portlaoise a low-carbon town."

Sinéad Bryan, Managing Director of Vodafone Business Ireland, added: 

"The Gigabit Hub Initiative was created in order to empower local businesses and communities through connectivity. This connectivity means the people of Laois can benefit from a better work life balance and allow them to pursue their careers within the area they are from, without sacrificing their quality of life or being forced to move to cities or abroad.” 

SIRO is now accepting applications for GigaBitHub applications within our network footprint. For more information, please visit https://siro.ie/about-us/gigabit-hubs/ 

SIRO, the fibre broadband network operator, has today announced the roll out of its broadband network in Roscommon town. The build works commenced in autumn last year. The company has confirmed that significant progress has already made in its delivery of the new network, with almost 70% of the project now complete. The company is investing €3 million in bringing Ireland’s most advanced broadband network to the town.  

When is SIRO coming to Roscommon?

SIRO is rolling out its high speed, reliable fibre broadband network to 2,350 homes and businesses in the town overall.  Build works for a majority of the premises targeted, (1,600 premises), are already completed and the new broadband service is now available to order. The remaining 750 premises in the town are expected to be completed during Spring 2023. 

Where is SIRO rolling out to in Roscommon Town?

Areas within Roscommon set to benefit from the roll out include Main Street, Riverdale, Lanesborough Street, Saint Ciaran’s Park, Pine View, Castle Street, Sunny Side House, Cherry Drive, Castle Apartments, Knights Court, Celtic Avenue, Cloonbrackna, Brookvale Avenue, and Lús Leana.  Homes and businesses can now order SIRO’s fibre broadband from its network of retailers, including Vodafone, Sky, Airwire, Pure Telecom, Digiweb, Fastcom and Viatel.  SIRO’s full fibre network is available to both homes and businesses within Roscommon town, with speeds of up to 2 gigabit per second available for homes, and up to 10 gigabits for enterprise connections. 

What is SIRO broadband? 

SIRO is a joint venture company between ESB and Vodafone, founded in 2015, focused on delivering full fibre broadband to Ireland’s towns and cities. SIRO’s fibre broadband network is built on the ESB electricity infrastructure, trusted for its reliability and resilience. Overall, the company is investing more than €1 billion in delivering high speed, future proofed broadband across Ireland. 

How Broadband Supports A Community

Commenting on the announcement, SIRO Chief Executive Officer, John Keaney, said:  

“SIRO has one of the most advanced fibre broadband networks in Europe, so we are really pleased to be bringing this network to Roscommon town.  “Individuals and businesses are all too aware of the value of a reliable and resilient broadband connection. It allows them to stay connected at home or when running their businesses, removing what can be a major pain point in daily life if their existing broadband is poor.  “Fibre broadband can have a transformative effect on regional towns. By providing a scalable, future-proofed and sustainable fibre network, it re-enforces Roscommon town’s attractiveness as a place to live, work and do business,” added Mr. Keaney.    

Shane Tiernan Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council stated:  

 “This multi-million-euro investment and delivery of full fibre broadband by SIRO in Roscommon town is to be congratulated and welcomed. High speed reliable digital connectivity is an essential requirement to allow Roscommon town to flourish commercially, economically and socially.    “The availability of SIRO’s full fibre broadband infrastructure greatly supports Roscommon County Council’s ambition for the development of an innovative collaborative digital society and economy in Roscommon over the coming years. This advancement by SIRO will undoubtedly have a very positive impact in supporting our constant drive for Roscommon to be a great place to live, work, invest in and visit”, added Mr. Tiernan.  

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On 1 June last, SIRO launched its’ 10 Gigabit (10G) enabled broadband network in Galway city. The first city in Ireland to have this high speed, large bandwidth network at its disposal. At the end August, SIRO’s entire fibre broadband network was upgraded to 10 Gigabits. This €10 million, 15-month upgrade project includes our full existing SIRO network, i.e., 450,000+ premises we have already passed and the further 320,000 we are in the process of passing right now.

10G: what is it?

From the middle of last year, SIRO began the process of upgrading its’ existing network to a 10 Gigabit network using XGS-PON technology. G-PON stands for Gigabit PON or 1 Gigabit PON. The “X” in XGS represents the number 10, and the letter “S” stands for symmetrical, XGS-PON = 10 Gigabit Symmetrical PON. The upgrade allows SIRO to turbo-charge our existing network from a one Gigabit network to a network providing up to 10G connections which are symmetrical (same upload and download speeds), much more reliable, with lower latencies and better security.

The point of a 10G network is the flexibility to scale up seamlessly as your data demands grow. One Gigabit to two, four, six Gigabits and so on

What can it do?

One of the most prominent and headline grabbing aspects of 10 G is speed, specifically speed of data transfer. 10 Gbps lets you transfer at a rate of 1.25 GB/s when you copy a file to another computer across the SIRO network. This equates to sending a 20 GB file in under 20 seconds.   At SIRO we know, that at least for the short-to-medium term, end users of this much larger bandwidth will be enterprise/business users vs. residential consumers. It makes sense. It is businesses, whether small or large, who typically move large data sets. However, the number of businesses who falls into this category is not as niche as it once might have been. As ever more intensive applications run on our servers or are stored in the Cloud, the amount of data created, stored and transferred increases each day. Add in the growing automation of once manual tasks and the need for high-speed internet as the key enabler of these processes becomes clear.

10G will become the technology platform for this phase of digital adaptation across the world. It will ensure that technology in our lives becomes even more embedded and integrated

Speed and bandwidth are also important for business where large numbers of colleagues and clients need to connect at once. Both now have an expectation of being able to access services when they require them and that this access is dependable and consistent. Business, for reasons of productivity, reputation and of course the bottom line, cannot afford to have any bottlenecks in their connectivity which can hold their business back. Businesses with many employees and multiple clients all logging on at the same time are obvious candidates for much higher speeds. Yet over recent years as our use of digital technologies has grown, it has spawned new types of business which are equally heavy data users. Businesses in the creative sector is one example. While they may not be big in terms of employee head count, they are big users of data. Think content creators in advertising, digital or marketing agencies, animators, film or videographers, game design – all transferring large files each day. Though smaller companies, the creative sector in its’ totality is a significant sector, employing up to 5% of the Irish workforce or about 100,000.

Do I need 10G?

In truth, it depends. If you are an individual, doing video editing, streaming, audio production, activities which involve a large amount of data and if your workflow currently lags due to slow speeds, then likely you do need to move up the Gigabit ranks from the standard one Gigabit to higher speeds. The point of a 10G network is the flexibility to scale up seamlessly as your data demands grow. One Gigabit to two, four, six Gigabits and so on. The use case is much clearer if you are a business or enterprise. If your business has large file sizes to deal; you use HD streaming or your company is growing in terms of capability or headcount, then there is a real risk of congestion on your network necessitating larger bandwidth.

10G will become the technology platform for this phase of digital adaptation across the world.

An important additional benefit of SIRO’s 10G network is affordability. Previously access to high-speed point-to-point (P2P) services was largely just available to very big organisations with substantial IT budgets. With this upgrade SIRO have changed that market limiting dynamic.

A 10 Gigabit Future?

Just as when once the need for one Gigabit broadband met with questions on the use case of that level of bandwidth; some might today ask a similar question of 10 Gigabit broadband. Those of us who have seen the relentless march of data demands, know better than to ask that question anymore. Instead, the more pertinent question for business and society to consider are what processes and technologies (many, not yet invented) can this level of bandwidth unlock for the benefit of all? 10G will become the technology platform for this phase of digital adaptation across the world. It will ensure that technology in our lives becomes even more embedded and integrated. Healthcare professionals will monitor and diagnose their patients remotely in real-time, our students will collaborate and learn not just from their classmates but with other children across the world and virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) will change many aspects of how we live from retail, to home entertainment, to the world of work. In SIRO we have always sought to drive innovation in the Irish broadband market to make the probable, possible. Today’s focus may be on 10 Gigabits, but the direction of journey to 25 Gigabits is already coming into view. To find out if your business can avail of SIRO for Business, please visit www.siro.ie/search-your-eircode

SIRO, the broadband network operator, has today announced that its fibre broadband network is now a 10 Gigabit network. SIRO’s announcement comes following the completion of a €10 million investment upgrade programme, implemented to ensure the company’s network can deliver the fastest speeds available. SIRO’s decision to make 10 Gigabit speeds available is driven by the ever-increasing data demands of enterprise year-on-year and the necessity to have a future proofed network primed to respond to the needs of businesses. SIRO, a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone, is currently rolling out a 100% fibre broadband network across 154 towns and cities across Ireland, with services currently available to 450,000+ premises and reaching 770,000 premises over the next four years. In October 2021, SIRO launched 2 Gigabit speeds for the residential market. Today’s announcement of 10 Gigabits is initially focused on the enterprise market. The latter have a need to progressively scale up their bandwidth from 2 Gigabits up to 10 Gigabits in the short to medium term. The upgrade to 10 Gigabits reflects SIRO’s ambition to continuously bring innovation to the Irish broadband market. SIRO is Ireland’s sole open-access wholesale-only broadband operator and was first to introduce 1 Gigabit broadband to Irish homes. It is now stretching its offering further with speeds of 2 Gigabits for residential and up to 10 Gigabits for enterprise customers, respectively. The benefits of multi-gigabit speeds include: Ensure fastest speeds: Symmetrical speeds up to ten times faster than the best standard currently available of up to 1 Gigabit. A 10 Gigabit connection can transfer 1 Gigabit of data in 0.8 seconds or upload a file of 20 Gigabits in under 20 seconds. Provide scalable connectivity: A future-proofed connection to support the increasing number of connected devices used by businesses. Enhance cyber protection: Enhanced data and network protection by facilitating network management systems which reduce cybersecurity risks. Support new technologies: The bandwidth to integrate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, 3D technology or voice recognition tools. Commenting on the announcement, SIRO CEO, John Keaney, said: “For SIRO, completing our transition to a 10 Gigabit-enabled network is about ensuring we continue to lead the market in terms of delivering on Ireland’s future broadband needs for the decades ahead. “All aspects of business processes and operations are increasingly digitised. Reliable and future proofed connectivity is the foundation upon which they all rest. “This upgrade gives enterprises the opportunity to plan and scale up their bandwidth requirements as their data demands and business requirements grow. Rather than wait for the broadband infrastructure to catch up, businesses can now have the certainty that they can access higher speeds and capacity as and when they need it,” added Mr. Keaney. To find out if you can avail of 10 Gigabit today, check your Eircode today! [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode Today" position="mid" title="Search Your Eircode Today"]

Just over half of young adults aged between 18-24 say that the lack of affordable housing would drive them to live and work outside of Ireland’s main cities, according to a new study, carried out to mark the launch of phase two of the Vodafone SIRO GigaBitHub Initiative. The second phase will see 15 new hubs connected in towns across Ireland. The study, carried out among more than 300 people aged between 18-24 by Empathy Research, provides significant insights into how the next generation of employees wish to work and the factors influencing their decisions. Interestingly, the majority of participants (33%) favoured the option to work from home fulltime, rather than the option to work in the office or a hybrid working model, with 77% indicating this option within their top three preferences for ways of working. The Vodafone SIRO GigaBitHub Initiative, launched in 2017, currently provides free 1 Gigabit high-speed broadband to digital hubs across Ireland, enabling businesses to thrive and bringing new life, skills and people to towns across the country. The first phase of the Initiative, which completed last year, supported many of Ireland’s leading hubs and co-working facilities including Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen, Galway’s PorterShed and Dundalk’s Creative Spark. The next phase of the Initiative is being launched today and hubs across Ireland are encouraged to apply to become the next hub. The results of the survey highlight a growing attraction among young adults to work from a digital hub (51%), with the majority of participants (73%) believing this to be a more cost-effective option than living and working in a city centre. The flexibility and more time to access further education due to working from a hub are also factors that appeal to young adults. According to the study, salary, work-life balance and commuting times were most important factors influencing young adults when considering a new career or role. Interestingly, males (37%) see salary as being the most important consideration, compared to females at just 21%, who would instead rank work-life balance as being the most important (25%). Opportunities to travel internationally and networking opportunities were among the lower priorities for participants in their career choices at 2% and 4%, respectively. Additionally, multinational companies were the most appealing organisations for  young people starting their career at 30%, followed by working for a small to medium businesses (24%). However, when viewed by gender, 31% of women favoured the option to work for an SME in comparison to 18% men. In terms of working with a start-up, this was favoured more by males (21%) over females (9%). Also of interest is that based on location, 18% of those in Dublin were more likely to become an entrepreneur and start their own business, than 5% of those based outside of Dublin.   Commenting on the launch, CEO of Vodafone Ireland, Anne O’Leary said;

“Our study clearly shows how important flexible and hybrid working is to the next generation, which continues to prove transformative for people, businesses and local communities. As we’ve seen in recent weeks, the concept, provision and demand for digital hubs is growing around the country and this will only increase as we see those finishing second and third level education adapt to the new future of work and life-long learning. The advantages are clear in terms of access to collaborative and creative spaces, not to mention allowing people work closer to their home and local communities that will boost rural communities. We are therefore delighted to support phase two of our GigaBitHub initiative and provide an additional 15 hubs across Ireland with 1 Gigabit broadband connectivity. “According to the study, there are a number of factors influencing these insights which employers and other key stakeholders need to be cognisant of as we shape future ways of working and the future of our communities. The most significant of these is the lack of affordable accommodation and the rising cost of living which is having a direct impact on the choice where to live, decisions about education, and future employment and career choices among young adults – all of which will affect the future fabric of our economy and society.”

Commenting on the next phase of the Initiative and the survey results, CEO of SIRO, John Keaney noted:

“Today’s research results are very encouraging in terms of the future of work and balanced regional development. They underpin what has been SIRO’s philosophy since we first commenced rolling out fibre broadband to 154 Irish towns. Namely, give communities access to world-class connectivity and then work from anywhere becomes possible. “The research shows many young people are open to working and living where their family and community connections are located, if this is feasible. Access to high quality fibre broadband networks, like SIRO’s, are now making this possible. This is transformative for Ireland’s economic and social development.  Hubs are playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between home and work in many towns across Ireland. SIRO is delighted, to once again, support more digital hubs around Ireland by providing them with Gigabit fibre broadband to underpin their connectivity offering.”

 

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