SIRO and Vodafone expand the Gigabit Hubs Initiative to the South East

Vodafone Ireland has today released data that shows 22,200 people commute to Dublin from Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford each day at the launch of three new SIRO-powered Gigabit hubs in the South East. Using insights gained from the combined Vodafone network performance data and CSO population data analytics, the information provides a clear understanding of the commuter trends along the M7, M9 and M11 and the sheer scale of people commuting to Dublin.  

New Work Junction Hubs

New Work Junction hubs in Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford are the latest to receive free SIRO powered fibre Gigabit connectivity, provided by Vodafone and offered to 13 co-working hubs across the country. By providing high-speed connectivity to hubs in regional towns, the initiative supports local businesses and workers who want to work remotely. Since the launch of the Kilkenny hub in 2015, New Work Junction – a group of co-working centres – has expanded its operations to include Carlow, officially opened today at a special event with Treasa Doran, Vodafone Ireland, Ronan Whelan, SIRO, Vanessa Tierney, Abodoo, Tracy Keogh, Grow Remote and two remote workers speaking.  

Vodafone/SIRO Gigabit Hub Initiative

Launched in 2017, the Vodafone/ SIRO Gigabit Hub Initiative was designed to spark a digital transformation in 15 towns across Ireland and encourage job creation and economic growth. SIRO’s 100% fibre-optic Gigabit connectivity, which is three times as powerful as the best service in Dublin and 10 times more powerful than the fastest average internet speed in Ireland, gives businesses in the three hubs world-class broadband connectivity. Speaking at the event, Head of Commercial at Vodafone Business Ireland Treasa Doran, said: “We are delighted to provide free Gigabit connectivity to three more co-working hubs and see the expansion of our initiative to 13. This initiative is allowing people to work smarter, have a better work/life balance and pursue careers in towns and villages across Ireland. Through our commitment to improve rural connectivity by bringing high-speed broadband to hubs such as New Work Junction, we can try reverse commuting and urban migration trends and help increase productivity by allowing people to work closer to home and spend less time on the road”. The Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen, which was the first hub connected by SIRO in July 2016, is an ‘exemplar project’ that has been recognised by the European Commission and is on course to create 500 jobs over the next five years in West Cork.” Ronan Whelan, Chief Commercial Officer SIRO added: “By delivering Gigabit connectivity to these three hubs, we have made remote working a real option for 350 people. This highlights the real difference that 100% fibre-optic broadband can make to people’s lives by saving commuters from sitting in traffic. The rise in hubs like New Work Junction clearly illustrates the huge demand in regional towns for connectivity and thanks to our network Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford have the same level of world-class broadband as leading international hubs like Hong Kong and Tokyo. It forms part of our rollout in the South East, with Gigabit connectivity available to over 23,000 premises in the region to date.” Founder of New Work Junction Tom O’Neill said: “Since I started the New Work Junction hubs in 2015, I’ve noticed that we have a steady number of start-ups and freelancers, but also an ever increasing number of remote workers. I see these remote working hubs as a chance to reduce travel time for the thousands of commuters who make the trip to Dublin from the South East every day”. “We’re keen to be fully engaged in this conversation and appreciate the support of organisations such as Vodafone and SIRO in ensuring we have the high-speed connectivity we need to attract people to our hubs. Together, and with other organisations, we can begin to catalyse the big change that needs to happen towards a re-distributed workforce.” One such company benefiting from the SIRO 1 GB connection is Bórd na Móna.  Speaking about New Work Junction, employee Pat Considine said: “It has been a huge benefit to me overall, not just in terms of saving a two hour commute. I find I get more work done as there are less interruptions and distractions and there is a good work environment and atmosphere with everyone who works there.”

25^th October 2018: Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), the Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland-backed technology centre in Mullingar - tasked with helping to make Ireland a world leader in advanced manufacturing operations – has today been announced as the latest participant of Vodafone and SIRO’s national Gigabit Hub Initiative, which offers a 1 Gigabit broadband connection to qualifying business hubs free of charge for two years. The Gigabit connectivity will enable IMR to collaborate with Irish and multinational companies at home and abroad to develop, and commercialise new technologies in diverse areas such as collaborative robotics and augmented reality to ensure the continued competitiveness of Ireland’s manufacturing industry. A number of Danish organisations visited IMR this week to witness its world class research facilities and experience the 1 Gigabit broadband network first hand, which puts the centre on a par for broadband connectivity with international hubs like Hong Kong and Tokyo. LEGO was part of the visiting group and is already collaborating with Sam Del-Greco, VR AR and Machine Vision Lead at IMR, on potential applications for augmented and virtual reality. The Gigabit Hub initiative will enable IMR to engage in data intensive online collaboration with companies like LEGO that would not otherwise be possible. Vodafone and SIRO’s Gigabit Hub Initiative was designed to spark a digital transformation in towns across Ireland and encourage job and economic growth in regional towns. As the eighth hub to receive the award, IMR joins the Ludgate Hub (Skibbereen), Tralee HQ (Tralee), Dundalk RDC (Dundalk IT) and The Mill (Drogheda), Enterprise House (Carlow), Centre for Social Gain (Cavan) and Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre (Cavan), which have all been connected to SIRO’s 100% fibre-optic network. Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Lynch, Chief Innovation & Network Officer at Irish Manufacturing Research, said, “With manufacturing representing approximately 30% of Irish GDP, it is vital that Ireland leads the way in advanced manufacturing operations. Gigabit connectivity is a gamechanger in this respect for IMR as our researchers need the ability to collaborate on cutting edge technologies with organisations all over the world. Thanks to our 1 Gigabit connection from Vodafone and SIRO, being based in Mullingar does not make a difference to our partners as our broadband is on a par to that available in Hong Kong and Tokyo.” Suzanne Tracy, SIRO’s CTO, added, “With manufacturing firms investing over €3.4 billion in the economy, it is vital that we continue to attract investment and give Irish companies a platform to innovate. IMR is now ideally placed to collaborate with organisations anywhere in the world thanks to our Gigabit connectivity, which is Ireland’s most powerful broadband. With 82% of manufacturing employment in Ireland based in the regions, this highlights how Fibre-to-the Home broadband technology is vital to enabling Irish businesses to compete.” Debbie Ward, Regional Sales Manager at Vodafone Ireland, also said: “With fast speed networks and widespread connectivity comes incredible ideas, innovations and technologies that help make our lives easier, healthier, smarter and more fulfilling. The research that takes place at IMR is a perfect example of this and Gigabit connectivity underpins the unique blend of collaboration between industry, academia and the wider research community taking place at the centre. By becoming part of our Gigabit Hub initiative, IMR is now ideally placed to help Ireland be a leading light in the world of advanced manufacturing operations.”

Minister Heather Humphreys to help 'Silver Surfers' stay connected in Cavan and Monaghan with launch of Gigabit broadband service

  Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Fine Gael TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Heather Humphreys TD, today unveiled a new 1 Gigabit fibre broadband service at the Centre for Social Gain at Castlemanor Community Centre in Cavan as part of celebrations for Positive Age’s 30th anniversary of delivering social inclusion projects for older people in Cavan and Monaghan. To mark the launch of the new 1 Gigabit fibre-optic broadband connection, provided by Vodafone and powered by SIRO’s 100% fibre-optic network, some attendees at the special event recalled their experiences as part of a ceremony dubbed ‘From Candle Light to Fibre Optic Light.’ Positive Age’s members, all in their late eighties, recalled a time when they wrote letters to family around the word by candlelight which took weeks to arrive, where now, through their computer classes, they can send messages and photos instantly and talk to their relatives live anywhere in the world. As part of Vodafone and SIRO’s initiative, the center will now have access to what is regarded as the international gold standard for broadband globally with a 100% fibre-optic broadband connection, which is three times as powerful as the best service in Dublin and 10 times more powerful than the fastest average internet speed in Ireland, enabling the organisation to broaden the services it offers its members. Positive Age, which operates the Centre for Social Gain, runs a series of initiatives for older people in Cavan and Monaghan including technology training, arts and drama projects and educational trips abroad, with the aim of promoting a positive attitude to ageing and combating isolation of older people in the area. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD said: “I am delighted to launch the new Gigabit broadband services at Positive Age’s Centre for Social Gain and to hear some of their members’ stories, which illustrate how the internet is changing lives in Cavan. This project is a fantastic example of how we can help connect different generations both at home and abroad, as well as being testament to the Government’s policy to improve regional broadband connectivity. The initiative also demonstrates how the not for profit sector and enterprise can collaborate for the good of society.” Brian Daly, Positive Age, commented: “We are excited to receive this service from Vodafone and SIRO, as it will help power the Centre for Social Gain’s potential to provide a vital social outlet and a hub for lifelong learning in Cavan and Monaghan. Broadband is a key tool for helping to promote social inclusion and you only have to hear the stories from our members as to how communication has changed over their lifetime. The ability to see a grandchild on the other side of the world on a video call is literally lifechanging, so we are very grateful for the support from both companies.” Stephen O’Connor, SIRO Director of Corporate Affairs, also said: “SIRO is helping to bridge the so called “Digital Divide” between Dublin and regional towns like Cavan. There is another divide that we are very conscious of, and that is the differing levels of computer literacy and digital skills in Ireland particularly across the generations. SIRO ran its initial technical trials in Cavan in 2015 and the whole town now has access to the same level of broadband connectivity as cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo. This partnership with Positive Age helps to make sure as many older people as possible get to experience SIRO and enjoy the benefits of a connected world.” Debbie Ward, Regional Sales Manager at Vodafone Ireland, added: “Isolation and loneliness unfortunately still affects far too many of our elderly throughout Ireland today. I'm therefore delighted to support the brilliant work Positive Age is doing to combat the most pressing issue facing older people in our country as it sets out to bring improved quality of life to this community. Working together, we need to do everything we can to protect older people today and this connection now means that they can reach out to loved ones and friends across Ireland, and the rest of the world, and to stay connected.”

SIRO and Westnet Power Westport’s Leeson Enterprise Centre With Gigabit Connectivity

It has been announced that Westport’s Leeson Enterprise Centre is to be enabled with a 1 Gigabit broadband connection provided by Westnet and powered by SIRO, the wholesale broadband operator building Ireland’s 100% fibre-optic broadband network. As a result, the Leeson Enterprise Centre, which was officially opened by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring T.D., will have access to the same level of broadband connectivity that is typically only available to international companies in cities like Hong Kong or Tokyo. The Leeson Enterprise Centre is an innovation hub designed to help local entrepreneurs and start-ups in Mayo succeed, with a range of facilities such as hot desks, co-working office space, private office space and meeting room facilities provided at the centre. SIRO’s Gigabit connectivity, which is three times as powerful as the market leading service in Dublin and 10 times as powerful as the market leading service in rural Ireland, will help firms based in the Leeson Enterprise Centre to benefit from the best broadband network in Ireland and face no restrictions due to poor connectivity when selling their products and services online or using services like video conferencing to communicate with their customers. Westnet, the Mayo based broadband provider, is one of SIRO’s retail partners and is already delivering a range of 100% fibre optic broadband packages for both residential and business customers in Castlebar and Westport. Westnet and SIRO have joined forces to provide the 1 Gigabit broadband connection to the Leeson Enterprise Centre for free for a two year period in a bid to help bolster innovation in Westport by making the town more attractive for businesses to relocate to and for entrepreneurs to establish their business in the centre. Stephanie Colombani, Westport Chamber CEO, said: “Westport is home to a vibrant and innovative business community, with companies in a wide variety of industries from the hospitality to pharmaceutical sectors. The beautiful surroundings of Westport make it an idyllic place to live, but also an inspiring place to conduct business. Broadband is vital to all firms whether it is hotels taking bookings or engineering companies sending large files around the world. Without high speed connectivity jobs and businesses would not be able to locate to the Leeson Enterprise Centre and would have to relocate to larger cities. Being connected to infrastructure like SIRO’s 100% fibre-optic network is a game changer for us as it is a vital factor in the decision-making process for any company looking to establish itself in Westport.” Commenting on the announcement, Westnet CEO and co-founder, Paul Cunnane commented: “Having a good broadband service is essential in the modern digital age, so, as a local company, we are delighted to offer The Leeson Enterprise Centre’s businesses broadband that is faster than any other network in Ireland. Gigabit connectivity is the starting point in the creation of a Gigabit Society across Ireland which will offer employees in these businesses a better work/life balance and allow them to pursue their careers in Westport without sacrificing their quality of life, rather than being forced to move to cities or abroad.” Stephen O’Connor, SIRO’s Director of Corporate Affairs, added: “SIRO’s connection to The Leeson Enterprise Centre is a tremendous boost for Westport as it is already quickly establishing itself as a vibrant start-up location for the West. This forms part of our strategy to revitalise towns across Ireland by sparking a digital transformation, helping to attract investment and encouraging more people to establish businesses in towns like Westport. As our 100% fibre optic broadband network, powered entirely by light, is different and better than any other technology, we have future-proofed Westport’s broadband needs for decades to come and made the town part of the Gigabit society in Ireland.”

ENTERPRISE HOUSE IN CARLOW ANNOUNCED AS VODAFONE & SIRO’S LATEST GIGABIT HUB

Enterprise House in Carlow has today been announced as the latest participant of Vodafone and SIRO’s national Gigabit Hub Initiative, which offers a 1 Gigabit broadband connection to qualifying business hubs free of charge for two years. Vodafone and SIRO designed the initiative to spark a digital transformation in towns across Ireland and encourage job and economic growth in regional towns. One year on from its launch, the initiative has supported business and enterprise hubs to attract new companies and encourage people to relocate to communities and towns around the country. The five hubs that have received gigabit connectivity to date have expanded with 29 new companies moving to their premises, with an additional 80 people on site. The six hubs, including Carlow, are now planning further expansion, with an extra 200 jobs targeted over the next three years. As the sixth hub to receive the award, Enterprise House joins the Ludgate Hub (Skibbereen), Tralee HQ (Tralee), Dundalk RDC (Dundalk IT), The Mill (Drogheda) and Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre (Cavan), which have all been connected to the SIRO 100% fibre-optic network. Currently supporting 20 businesses and 93 people on site, Enterprise House targets start-ups and growing enterprises in Carlow with the aim of fostering entrepreneurship and developing economic activity in the Carlow area. The new 1 Gigabit broadband connection, provided as part of this initiative, will help broaden Enterprise House’s appeal to entrepreneurs and companies looking to locate their company outside of the major cities, and for professionals to work remotely or commute from the town. In addition, average residential rents in Carlow are €713 per month, 31% cheaper than the national average and average house prices stand approximately €66,000 cheaper that national rates. This highlights the significant benefits to workers choosing Carlow as a place to work. Speaking at the launch of the Gigabit Hub in Enterprise House, Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, said: “County Carlow as the gateway County to the South East with its proximity to Dublin provides an ideal base for companies to start, locate, innovate and grow. We understand that connectivity both from a physical viewpoint in terms of a supportive enterprise community and from a digital viewpoint is of paramount importance to supporting business growth.” “Carlow County Council is committed to providing a one stop shop for entrepreneurs working with Enterprise Ireland, IDA, County Carlow Chamber and our two third level institutions and incubation and development centres like Enterprise House. We welcome the Vodafone & SIRO 1 Gigabit broadband connection in Enterprise House which will further enable the centre to drive innovation and assist companies to reach their business goals.” Anne O’Leary, Vodafone Ireland CEO, added: “As the sixth hub to be unveiled as part of this initiative, I’m delighted to witness the tangible, long-term benefits that businesses, irrespective of size or location, can achieve through 1 Gigabit connectivity. Job creation, economic growth and the ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with international organisations are only some of the many benefits that can be achieved through equal access to gigabit speed broadband. Vodafone is fully committed to championing the digital potential of businesses and communities all over Ireland and the Gigabit Hub Initiative is the spark to that transformation.” Sean Atkinson, SIRO CEO, also said: “One year on since the launch of the Gigabit Hub initiative with Vodafone, we are already seeing real results, with participating hubs expanding due to demand for Ireland’s most powerful broadband. We are sparking a digital transformation across Ireland, with the local economy in each town boosted as a result, with companies relocating to the area and entrepreneurs establishing their businesses in the community. Carlow and the other locations now have the same level of connectivity as cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo, so there is nothing to hold any of these businesses back in terms of competing with any other firm in the world.” Using the existing ESB network, SIRO is delivered through fibre optic cables which run alongside existing electricity connections, all the way to the building. This technology, known as fibre to the home (FTTH), has no copper connections at any point to slow down the network and delivers 1 Gigabit download and upload speeds. For context, when downloading a high definition film (4 Gigabytes) with a 10 Mbps connection, the download time is an hour - with SIRO it takes approximately 30 seconds. Services powered by SIRO are already live or under construction in 35 towns across the country, with eight retailers offering connections to over 150,000 homes and businesses.

The Launch of CITC

On this week's 'The Ready Business' show, Brian Purcell was in Cavan town for the launch of Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre (CITC). CITC is the latest location to be part of Vodafone and SIRO’s national Gigabit Hub Initiative, which offers a one Gigabit broadband connection to qualifying business hubs free of charge for two years. Speakers at the launch included Vincent Reynolds, CEO Cavan County Enterprise Board and CEO of the new Cavan Gigabit Hub, Richard Stafford, CEO Apri Data, Liam O’Brien, Director of Strategy & External Affairs of Vodafone Ireland and Stephen O'Connor, SIRO's Director of Corporate Affairs. Have a listen to the interview below. [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/362428388" <params="color=00cc11&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]

MINISTER FOR CULTURE HEATHER HUMPHREYS UNVEILS CAVAN CENTRE AS VODAFONE & SIRO’S FIFTH NATIONAL GIGABIT HUB

Minister for Culture and Fine Gael TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Heather Humphreys, today unveiled the Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre (CITC), which encompasses Cavan Enterprise Centre, as the next location to be part of Vodafone and SIRO’s national Gigabit Hub Initiative, which offers a 1 Gigabit broadband connection to qualifying business hubs free of charge for two years. As the fifth Hub to receive the award, CITC joins the Ludgate Hub (Skibbereen), Tralee HQ (Tralee), Dundalk RDC (Dundalk IT) and The Mill (Drogheda) which have all been connected to the SIRO 100% fibre-optic network. Launched earlier this year the Vodafone / SIRO Gigabit Hub Initiative was designed to spark a digital transformation in 15 towns across Ireland and encourage job and economic growth in regional towns. The Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen, which was the first hub connected by SIRO in July 2016, is an ‘exemplar project’ that was shortlisted for the European Commission Broadband Awards in 2016 and is on course to create 500 jobs over the next five years in West Cork. SIRO’s Gigabit connectivity, which is three times as powerful as the best service in Dublin and 10 times more powerful than the fastest average internet speed in Ireland., gives businesses in the CTIC world-class broadband connectivity allowing them to compete and grow. CITC was established to promote innovation and technology support in the Cavan and border region by providing local businesses with education, training, technology and facilities needed to support enterprise development and create economic growth, as well as providing a one stop shop for entrepreneurs. State agencies such as the Local Enterprise Office and IDA Ireland are co-located at CITC, with all supports and training by the Local Enterprise Office delivered at the centre. The Hub, incorporating Cavan Enterprise Centre, currently accommodates 10 companies who employ over 310 people. One such company benefiting from the SIRO 1 GB connection is Apridata, which was established in 2014 as a business intelligence and data analytics consultancy. With customers and prospects in locations all over the world, Apridata chose Cavan because of its amenities, quality of life and sense of community. Critical, however, was gaining access to high speed broadband which is fundamental for the company’s success and allows it to do business and connect with customers across the world. In 2015, SIRO selected Cavan as the first town to trial the new technology which saw 300 homes in the Aughnaskerry and Rocklands estates equipped with a 100% fibre-to-the-building connection. The Cavan network now extends to over 4,000 homes and businesses who enjoy the same level of connectivity as leading international hubs like Hong Kong and Tokyo. Speaking at the launch of the Gigabit Hub in Cavan, Minister for Culture and TD for Cavan- Monaghan Heather Humphreys said: “I am delighted to unveil Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre as the latest Gigabit Hub by Siro and Vodafone. Access to high speed broadband in today’s economy is as vital to infrastructure as canals and roadways were to businesses in the last century, and this project perfectly complements Government policy of encouraging commercial investment in broadband. The initiative also illustrates how local people and business interests can work together to generate economic activity, and I would like to commend everyone involved for their hard work and commitment.” Vincent Reynolds, CEO, Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre said: “The unique natural surroundings of County Cavan underpin the success of its living and working communities. Inspiration breeds innovation, which, in the right environment, breeds success and this was the motivating factor behind the establishment of CITC. As a recipient of Vodafone and SIRO’s 1 Gigabit broadband connection, we will be able to further drive innovation and help companies at the centre reach greater heights.” Liam O’Brien, Director of Strategy & External Affairs of Vodafone Ireland, added: “The Gigabit Hub Initiative was created in order to empower local businesses and communities through connected technologies. As the fifth hub, I’m delighted that businesses in the Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre will have access to SIRO’s 100% fibre-optic network. Gigabit connectivity is the starting point in the creation of a Gigabit Society across Ireland which will offer employees a better work/life balance and allow them to pursue their careers in towns across Ireland without sacrificing their quality of life, rather than being forced to move to cities or abroad.” Stephen O’Connor, Corporate Affairs Director of SIRO, also said: “We are delighted that CITC has become our latest Gigabit Hub, given Cavan’s key role in SIRO’s history. Cavan was our original trial town, when we connected the Aughnaskerry and Rocklands estates back in 2015 and we got a great reception in the town. The SIRO network now extends to over 4,000 homes and businesses in Cavan town which all have access to the best connectivity in Ireland, rivalling international hubs like Hong Kong and Tokyo. Good connectivity is vital for regional towns competing for investment and jobs and having a 1 GB network in the town and a strategic centre like the CITC makes Cavan attractive for entrepreneurs to establish their business or for companies looking to invest” Richard Stafford, Founder and CEO of Apridata, said: “CITC’s Gigabit connectivity is a game-changer for Apridata. With customers and prospects in locations as diverse as the Caribbean and Sweden, broadband is critical for our company. For our services, geographic location is not a limiting factor; we can market, sell and deliver digitally with video conferencing playing a vital role in our sales process. To succeed we need the bandwidth in place to ensure we deliver a professional experience - you lose credibility if there’s any lag or if your call unexpectedly drops due to poor broadband. We manage and process large volumes of data and the 1 Gigabit connection provided to us by Vodafone and SIRO enables us to do this productively. As a result, we can deliver services that empower our clients to make better business decisions faster.” A video of Richard Stafford, Founder and CEO of Apridata, located at CITC, the fifth hub to receive two years of free gigabit fibre broadband from SIRO and Vodafone as part of the companies’ national Gigabit Hub Initiative can be viewed here.

Over 10,000 Letterkenny Homes and Businesses Now Have Access To SIRO’s Gigabit Broadband

SIRO, the wholesale broadband operator building a 100% fibre-optic broadband network in 50 towns nationwide, today announced that over 10,000 homes and businesses in Letterkenny now have access to its 1 Gigabit (1,000Mbps) broadband network, with packages already available from Vodafone and Digiweb. The company’s rollout in the town continues in response from demand from Letterkenny residents. SIRO’s Gigabit connectivity enables Letterkenny residents and businesses to avail of broadband that is three times faster than the best service available in Dublin (350 Mbps) and 10 times more powerful than the fastest average internet speed in Ireland. SIRO’s 100% fibre optic network is unprecedented in Ireland. Its Fibre-to-the-Building technology, with no copper at any point to slow it down, is recognised as the gold standard for broadband connectivity internationally. It is transforming the internet experience of Letterkenny, thrusting the town into the same leagues as international hubs like Hong Kong and Tokyo for broadband connectivity, creating a platform for future economic development. For context, downloading a high definition (HD) film of 4 GB (Gigabytes) with a 10 Mbps connection takes an hour – with SIRO it takes 30 seconds. Aoife Ní Lochlainn, Public Policy Manager of SIRO said: “We are very excited by the progress of SIRO’s roll out of 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network to Letterkenny. There is nothing faster than the speed of light, so Letterkenny residents and businesses will be guaranteed the best broadband experience in the country thanks to SIRO’s 100% fibre optic network. This future-proofed network is a game-changer, transforming broadband in Letterkenny now and for decades into the future.” Using the existing ESB network, SIRO delivers fibre optic cables all the way to the building. This technology, known as Fibre-to-the-Building, has no copper connections at any point to slow down the network and delivers 1 Gigabit speeds. The SIRO network now covers 110,000 premises, with services now live or under construction in 25 towns across the country including Dundalk, Carrigaline, Sligo, Letterkenny, Tralee, Cavan, Wexford, Skibbereen, Drogheda, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Ennis, Castlebar, Westport, Limerick, Newbridge, Carlow, Swords, Balbriggan, Bray, Greystones, Athlone, Killarney, Shannon and Mallow. SIRO is offered on an open-access basis to all telecoms retailers in Ireland. SIRO has formed partnerships with Vodafone, Carnsore Broadband, Digiweb, Rocket Broadband, Kerry Broadband and WestNet, with more retailers expected to come on board as the company drives competition in the wholesale broadband market.

Carlow Unveiled As Ireland’s Latest Gigabit Town By SIRO

SIRO, the wholesale broadband operator building a 100% fibre-optic broadband network in 50 towns nationwide, has announced that services are now live to an initial 4,500 homes and businesses in Carlow Town, with packages already available from Vodafone and Digiweb. The company updated Carlow Municipal District Council yesterday on the continued roll-out of their 1 Gigabit (1,000Mbps) broadband network in the town. Construction has already been completed in Sandhills, Dolmen Gardens, Castle Oaks, The Downs, Hunters Green, Burrin Road, Green Road, Blackbog Road, Leighlin Road, Barrowvale and Heather Hill, with the full rollout of SIRO’s Gigabit connectivity expected to be completed by the end of the summer next year. SIRO’s Fibre-to-the-Building technology is recognised as the gold standard for broadband connectivity internationally and is 100% fibre-optic, with no copper at any point to slow it down, meaning that the internet experience of Carlow will be transformed. SIRO’s Gigabit connectivity will allow residents and businesses in Carlow to avail of broadband that is three times faster than the best service available in Dublin (350 Mbps) and 10 times more powerful than the fastest average internet speed in Ireland. For example, downloading a high definition (HD) film of 4 GB (Gigabytes) with a 10 Mbps connection takes an hour – with SIRO it takes 30 seconds. Speaking after the meeting, Mayor of Carlow Cllr. Jim Deane, said: “Fibre broadband is a key component for developing the Smart Economy in Carlow and this initiative will put Carlow Town in the same league as Tokyo and Hong Kong for broadband connectivity. This is vital for boosting the local economy, given the necessity of high speed broadband for attracting foreign direct investment. SIRO’s arrival is a welcome development and shows how we are delivering on the Carlow County Development Plan.” Stephen O’Connor, Director of Corporate Affairs with SIRO, added: “This is broadband at its best as SIRO is a custom built 100% fibre optic network powered by light, with no copper connection that would slow the service. There is nothing faster than the speed of light, so Carlow residents and businesses will be guaranteed the best broadband experience in the country thanks to SIRO’s 100% fibre optic network. SIRO will help attract investment to the town, enabling Carlow businesses to compete online. Students in the local Institute of Technology Carlow will be able to access the latest online educational resources from their homes without fear of lack of speed or buffing. This is an important development for the town, supporting economic and social development and future-proofing Carlow’s internet infrastructure for decades to come.” Using the existing ESB network, SIRO delivers fibre optic cables all the way to the building. This technology, known as Fibre-to-the-Building, has no copper connections at any point to slow down the network and delivers 1 Gigabit speeds. This will propel Carlow into the international leagues alongside cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo for broadband connectivity creating a platform for future economic development in the region. The SIRO network now covers 100,000 premises, with services now live or under construction in 25 towns across the country including Dundalk, Carrigaline, Sligo, Letterkenny, Tralee, Cavan, Wexford, Skibbereen, Drogheda, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Ennis, Castlebar, Westport, Limerick, Newbridge, Carlow, Swords, Balbriggan, Bray, Greystones, Athlone, Killarney, Shannon and Mallow. SIRO is offered on an open-access basis to all telecoms retailers in Ireland. SIRO has formed partnerships with Vodafone, BT, enet, Carnsore Broadband, Digiweb, Rocket Broadband and WestNet, with more retailers expected to come on board as the company drives competition in the wholesale broadband market. What will SIRO mean to the people of Carlow? See their reaction here.

Newbridge to become Ireland’s latest Gigabit town with SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband network

SIRO, the wholesale broadband operator building a 100% fibre-optic broadband network in 50 towns nationwide, has today announced that service of its 1 Gigabit broadband service is now live in Newbridge, with packages already available from Vodafone and Digiweb. Services are available to an initial 4,500 homes and businesses, as SIRO’s rollout in Newbridge continues to expand. SIRO will have a transformative effect on Newbridge, putting it on a par with leading international hubs like Hong Kong or Tokyo for broadband connectivity. As a result, the town will become a more attractive location for foreign direct investment, whilst also giving businesses already located in Newbridge a step up in order to compete with firms across the globe selling online. Newbridge residents will also be able to take advantage of the latest broadband services in areas like education, healthcare and remote working. SIRO’s Fibre-to-the-Building technology is recognised as the gold standard for broadband connectivity internationally and is 100% fibre-optic, with no copper at any point to slow it down. This will mean that consumers and businesses will be able to avail of 1 Gigabit internet connection. For context, downloading a high definition (HD) film of 4 GB (Gigabytes) with a 10 Mbps connection takes an hour - with SIRO it takes 30 seconds. As SIRO is an open access wholesale provider, customers will purchase broadband services from one of SIRO’s retail partners such as Vodafone or Digiweb. Sean Atkinson, CEO of SIRO said: “This is the moment life in Newbridge changes forever as Gigabit connectivity gives the town the same broadband connectivity as Hong Kong or Tokyo. As a result, there’s no reason why the next Facebook or Google could not be created in the town. Newbridge is already well known for being home to numerous leading businesses such as Lily O’Briens, Newbridge Silverware and Pfizer, and today’s announcement will help attract more leading brands to the town. Similarly, with many commuters making their way to Dublin every day, remote working will become a real option thanks to SIRO helping to create a better work life balance.” SIRO is offered on an open-access basis to all telecoms retailers in Ireland. SIRO has formed partnerships with Vodafone, BT, enet, Carnsore Broadband, Digiweb, Rocket Broadband and WestNet, with more retailers expected to come on board as the company drives competition in the wholesale broadband market. The SIRO network now covers 100,000 premises, with services now live or under construction in 25 towns across the country including Dundalk, Carrigaline, Sligo, Letterkenny, Tralee, Cavan, Wexford, Skibbereen, Drogheda, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Ennis, Castlebar, Westport, Limerick, Newbridge, Carlow, Swords, Balbriggan, Bray, Greystones, Athlone, Killarney, Shannon and Mallow. To find out more, please visit SIRO’s pop-up experience at the White Water Shopping Centre in Newbridge on Thursday 26th of October.