SIRO’s Fibre Broadband Network Expands In Tipperary Town

SIRO, the wholesale broadband network operator delivering 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband across Ireland, has announced that its network is now live in Tipperary Town. To date, 1,432 homes and businesses in the town have been connected to the SIRO network, with a further 580 premises expected to go live in 2026. SIRO’s rollout in Tipperary Town was delivered in two phases, with approximately 330 premises passed in June and a further 1,102 premises connected in August. The third phase of the rollout will be completed in Q1 2026 with 580 more premises joining the SIRO network. Areas of the town now passed by the SIRO network include Springfield Grove, Saint Michael’s Avenue, Rosanna Close, Springfield Crescent, Lacey Villas, Davitt Street, An Dúiche, O’Connell Road, Saint Patrick’s Avenue, and Blackthorn Grove.

With this latest rollout, SIRO has now passed more than 19,000 premises across County Tipperary. The company’s fibre broadband network is already live in towns such as Cashel, Clonmel, Nenagh, Roscrea, Thurles and Tipperary, bringing reliable gigabit connectivity to homes and businesses throughout the county. Earlier this month, SIRO and Vodafone also announced their role as connectivity partners for Roscrea’s new REACH Digital Enterprise Hub, which officially opened at the start of September. As the 25th hub to join the SIRO-Vodafone Gigabit Hub Initiative, REACH is supporting growth opportunities for local businesses in Tipperary. The expansion comes at a crucial time, as Ireland prepares for the national copper switch-off, which will see the outdated copper broadband network switched off over the years ahead. SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband provides a future-proofed solution, ensuring reliable connectivity for households and businesses ensuring they have high quality connectivity required for decades to come. SIRO’s full fibre broadband offers speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second, allowing households and businesses to enjoy seamless online experiences. Customers in Tipperary Town can now order services from SIRO’s retail partners, with more premises to follow in 2026. Speaking on the announcement, John Keaney, SIRO Chief Executive Officer, said:

“We are delighted to bring SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband to Tipperary Town, connecting more than 2,000 premises to reliable gigabit connectivity. For businesses, world-class broadband is critical, supporting growth, digitalisation, and competitiveness. For households, it underpins everything from remote working and online learning to streaming and gaming. With copper switch-off now on the horizon, SIRO’s full fibre network ensures that Tipperary Town is ready for the future.”

To check if your home is on the SIRO network, search your Eircode today. [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]

Broadband operator, SIRO, has today launched a new service aimed at ensuring that buyers can access a fibre broadband service at their new home from the day they move in. Traditionally, buyers of new homes may experience a wait time of several days or even weeks before their broadband service is installed and up and running. This can be extremely frustrating for those moving into a new home who find themselves dependent on reliable connectivity to undertake a wide range of essential activities for themselves and wider family. Increasingly, new home buyers or their tenants are seeking a functioning broadband service live at their new home from the first day they move in. Activities such as working from home; using connected home devices such as house alarms, doorbell or remote access services like a smart thermostat; and connectivity for mobile, TV or gaming have all expanded this need. SIRO’s new bespoke service allows buyers to pre-order their broadband service so that it is ready to go before their boxes are even unpacked. New home buyers or their tenants can log onto a dedicated webpage on SIRO’s website, find their new development and their individual home and then pre-order a 100% fibre broadband service in advance of moving in. [caption id="attachment_11232" align="aligncenter" width="1097"]

Thursday 14th August 2025; Pictured are Ronan Whelan, SIRO Chief Commercial Officer and Marianne Murphy, Head of Marketing as SIRO is announcing the launch of a new online service allowing buyers to have access to a fibre broadband service at their new home from the day they move in.[/caption] SIRO’s new service for home buyers offers a range of options depending on each individual’s circumstances. For those who have already moved in they can go ahead and order broadband services today; those who have bought, have an Eircode or just the address and a move-in date they can pre-order to ensure their broadband is ready when they are; or for those who have just bought, have an address but no move-in date yet can register and receive a reminder from SIRO when the broadband pre-order service is available to them. For estate agents and developers, they also now have a dedicated information source that they can direct their home buyers to if the latter have queries on services available to them. Research previously commissioned by SIRO revealed the extent to which broadband is now viewed as an indispensable part of modern living, surpassing other features once regarded as core to a new home. It found that access to broadband was a key consideration for home buyers, ranking higher than even a parking spot or garden for respondents. A first in the Irish broadband market, SIRO’s website now hosts a comprehensive list of new developments across Ireland in which SIRO is rolling out its network. SIRO’s new developments webpage currently lists over 300 new developments in every corner of Ireland, with more new developments added on a weekly basis. SIRO is a wholesale fibre broadband operator. It partners with more than twenty broadband retailers such as Digiweb, Pure Telcom, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone amongst others from which home buyers can order a broadband service from. It has grown to become the second largest full fibre broadband network in Ireland and continues to grow. Commenting on its new dedicated service, SIRO Chief Commercial Officer Ronan Whelan said:

“There is so much to consider and deal with when buying and or moving into a new home. It’s a stressful time! Getting utilities in place, particularly broadband, are an essential part of making a house a home. SIRO’s new service aims to ensure that the process of getting a broadband connection live is seamless.

“Being attuned to customer needs is a key reason for SIRO’s success over the last decade. Over that time and even more so since working from home became mainstream, has been the need for home buyers to have a broadband service available as quickly as possible. We’ve listened to both consumers and developers on this issue and our new service is a response to this overwhelming demand,” added Mr. Whelan.

Giving the perspective of home buyers, Managing Director of DNG Duffy, Dundalk, Keith Duffy noted that:

“Some homebuyers – particularly first-time buyers and those working from home – like to confirm broadband availability early in the sales process so they can plan ahead.

“SIRO’s new webpage is a real advantage, allowing buyers to check service availability in their area and even pre-order broadband, helping them get ahead before moving in.

“While some expect broadband to be ready on day one, it can be something they overlook, so the pre-order option is especially useful. Feedback from those who have used it has been very positive, with customers noting quick turnaround times and being highly satisfied with the service."

SIRO’s New Pre-Order Service for Home Buyers can be found at: https://siro.ie/new-developments/

Pre-Order SIRO Now

Technology has become a central part of modern education, transforming how teachers deliver lessons and how students engage with learning. From interactive whiteboards to online research projects, much of this learning depends on having a reliable broadband connection. To get greater insights, we spoke with Hannah, a fifth-class teacher in an all-girls primary school in Dublin who shared her experiences of using digital tools in the classroom and how they shape both teaching and learning.

A glimpse into Hannah’s classroom

“I teach fifth-class girls in an all-girls school, and I cover all subjects. This is my sixth year teaching,” she explains.

Having previously worked in learning support, and in a mixed DEIS Band 1 primary school, she now finds herself guiding 11-year-olds through one of the most formative years of primary school. Her experience across different age groups has given her a unique perspective on how children learn and how technology can play a role in supporting that learning.

What are the technologies at the heart of the class?

When talking about the most important tools in her classroom, Hannah points out the importance of the connected interactive whiteboard.

“We have an interactive whiteboard in the classroom, which we use all day, every day. It’s like the centre of the classroom,” she says. “I put my timetable on it, use timers, show symbols for group work or independent tasks, and even use it to shuffle names and create groups in seconds.”

The whiteboard is not just a teaching aid, it is a tool for structure, helping students stay focused and understand expectations quickly. Beyond the whiteboard, the school has invested in iPads and Chromebooks. “This year we got new iPads, and we had a training day on how to use them. I’d say we use them maybe two or three hours per week. We balance this with writing materials, textbooks and outdoor learning.” Other ways in which Hannah makes use of technology include creating quick Google Forms to check students’ understanding:

“If I’m teaching long division in Maths, I might make a Google Form before the lesson to see if the children know the basics like subtraction and multiplication. I can instantly see who needs support.”

This not only saves time but also allows for more tailored teaching, ensuring no child is left behind.

How does broadband keep a classroom running smoothly?

From admin tasks like communicating with parents to daily routines that involve songs, videos, and online resources, fast, reliable broadband is now integral to keeping the classroom running smoothly. When asked about the importance of reliable broadband, her answer is clear:

“Even if we had no broadband for an hour, we would struggle... You can’t print; you can’t access the resources you’d normally rely on. It would throw things off.”

This highlights how dependent schools have become on connectivity, not just for teaching, but for maintaining structure and communication. The impact of access to technology and broadband in her students’ learning experience is striking. Hannah shares that digital projects have been particularly successful:

“Earlier this year, we did a Geography project where each child made either a physical presentation or a digital one using Google Slides. They got really, really interested because they could find the images and facts, they wanted online rather than being limited to magazines or books.”

Technology also levels the playing field for children with learning needs. “For students with dyslexia, using voice tools made writing stories much easier. It was less daunting for them. And because the internet is so open-ended, they can research topics we’d never find in schoolbooks like when we researched how could mushrooms save the world for Science Blast.”

Her experience shows that technology isn’t just about efficiency; it sparks curiosity, supports inclusivity, and allows students to take ownership of their learning.

What are a teacher’s favourite digital tools?

There are several websites and other tools that help Hannah make her lessons more interactive:

“My favourite one that I use every day is called Classroom Screen. It has all the tools you need as a teacher—visual timetables, embedded videos, instructions for the day, even birthday banners. I’ve told other teachers about it, and now they’re using it too.”

Other popular platforms in her classroom include:

IXL Learning is a go-to for maths and English revision, while Wordle and Guess the Country add a fun element that still sneaks in learning. Quiz-based platforms like Kahoot and Blooket are firm favourites with her students, and Seesaw has become a vital communication link between school and home, allowing students to upload homework or audio recordings of reading practice and receive feedback directly from the teacher. She also uses audiobooks to support students of different reading levels, ensuring everyone can access class novels.

“It’s just so helpful; these are things I couldn’t do by myself without technology.”

Hannah’s experience is a reminder that while creativity and good teaching are at the heart of the classroom, the right technology – and the fast, reliable broadband to power it – can take learning to the next level. As the new school year gets into full swing, now is the perfect time for parents and schools alike to make the switch to 100% fibre, so every student has the tools they need to succeed. To check if your home is on the SIRO network, search your Eircode today. [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]

SIRO, Ireland’s leading fibre broadband network operator, today announced that works to bring its 100% fibre broadband network to Birr are now well advanced. The first premises in the town will be able to order SIRO’s full fibre broadband during autumn 2025. Once the rollout is complete, high-speed, reliable broadband will be available to 2,300 Birr premises, homes and businesses, overall. Construction works in Birr are already underway and are expected to fully complete in late November.

To facilitate the network rollout, a limited number of planned electricity outages will be required during the months August to November inclusive. Impacted residents and businesses will be notified in advance of these outages by ESB Networks, with SIRO and ESB Networks working closely to minimise disruption. Areas that will be covered by the rollout include, but are not limited to: Barracks Street, Bridge Street, Cemetery Road, High Street, Hollypark, Military Road, School Road, Seefin, Westgate and Woodlane. SIRO’s full fibre broadband network, with speeds of up to 2 Gigabits for homes and 10 Gigabits for businesses, will provide Birr residents and businesses with fast and future proofed connectivity, enabling everything from seamless remote working or video streaming to supporting local enterprises in their digital growth. Over the longer term, SIRO’s full fibre broadband network has the capacity to reach speeds of up to 25 Gigabits, ensuring Birr will have high quality connectivity for decades to come. SIRO already enjoys a strong network footprint across the wider Midlands, including in Tullamore, Portlaoise, Athlone, Mullingar and Carlow town. Homes and businesses who wish to avail of SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband can register their interest by email: https://siro.ie/register-your-interest/

Commenting on SIRO’s arrival in Birr, John Keaney, SIRO Chief Executive Officer stated:

“SIRO is pleased to be the first broadband operator to bring a full fibre broadband network to Birr. Investing in Birr is part of SIRO's commitment to delivering high-quality fibre broadband to towns across Ireland. “Access to reliable, high-speed broadband is essential for supporting Birr’s local businesses, enabling remote work, and improving quality of life for the local community. “Residents and businesses in Birr, particularly those frustrated by slow, unfit for purpose copper broadband will shortly be able to experience the full benefits of SIRO’s fibre-to-the-home broadband,” added Mr. Keaney.

SIRO, the 100% fibre broadband network operator, has today confirmed that hundreds of premises in Athenry, can now avail of its high-speed fibre broadband network, with more premises able to join the network in the weeks ahead. In June, SIRO passed 758 homes in the town, with these premises now ready to connect to SIRO’s full fibre broadband network. A further 390 homes are expected to go live by the end of July. This latest expansion includes areas such as Fernhill, Cluain Ri, Cluain na Cathrach, Ballydavid Cottages, Dun Ri, Caislean Oir and Bridge Court.

SIRO’s network build in Athenry will continue over the coming months, with an additional 900 premises expected to be passed between September and November. Once completed, SIRO’s full fibre broadband will be available to approximately 2050 homes and businesses across the town. Further areas to benefit from SIRO’s roll-out in Athenry include An Cheathrú Bhán, Ard Esker, Bóithrín na Rí, Caisleán Rí, Céide Garraí Glas, Cluain Lara, Garraí Glas, Garrán Garraí Glas, Gort Mhaoilir, Gort na Rí, Páirc Garraí Glas, Páirc na Rí, Parklands, The Glade and The Willows. SIRO’s network in Athenry is part of a wider investment of more than €11 million in County Galway. The network is already available in Ballinasloe, Loughrea, and across Galway City. SIRO’s full fibre broadband is available to over 40,000 premises across Galway City and County. To date, SIRO’s national network has reached more than 660,000 premises across 143 towns and cities, as part of its €1 billion investment. The company is on track to pass over 700,000 premises by 2026, helping to future-proof connectivity in communities right across Ireland. Commenting on the roll-out, SIRO CEO John Keaney, said:

“SIRO is committed to bringing high-quality, reliable broadband to towns and communities across Ireland. Our investment in Athenry and across County Galway ensures that residents and businesses can benefit from future-proofed connectivity that supports activities such as remote working, digital business, e-learning, and online public services.”

SIRO, Ireland’s leading 100% fibre broadband network operator, has announced its arrival in Cobh, bringing future-proofed connectivity to homes and businesses in the town. With SIRO’s network now live in the town, residents and businesses in Cobh will have access to SIRO’s gigabit-speed broadband, enhancing connectivity and supporting the town’s digital future. The rollout will see a total of 1,500 premises in Cobh connected to SIRO’s high-speed fibre network in Q1 2025. The first 700 premises went live in January, with an additional 700 premises planned for February, and 100 more set to follow in March. Areas benefiting from SIRO’s rollout in Cobh include, but are not limited to: Ashdale, Ashgrove, Ballynoe Drive, Ballynoe Mews, Cedar Avenue, Cedar Crescent, Cedar Grove, Cedar Walk, Chestnut Close, Chestnut Drive, Chestnut Mews, Estuary Walk, Meadow Grove, Summerfields, Willow Bank, Willow Drive, and Willow Park.

This latest deployment follows SIRO’s recent expansion in Kinsale, where 1,053 premises were passed at the end of last year, with another 910 set to go live by March 2025. With both Cobh and Kinsale now benefiting from SIRO’s fibre broadband, more communities across the region are gaining access to the high-speed connectivity needed to support modern living and business growth. The expansion into Cobh is part of SIRO’s mission to bring future-proof broadband infrastructure to towns across Ireland. In County Cork alone, SIRO has passed close to 87,000 premises, enabling connectivity in towns including Ballincollig, Bandon, Carrigaline, Carrigtwohill, Fermoy, Little Island, Mallow, Midleton, Skibbereen, Youghal, Crosshaven, and Kinsale. SIRO’s national rollout aims to pass over 700,000 premises by 2026. Already, more than 630,000 homes and businesses in 142 towns and cities across Ireland can access SIRO’s full fibre network, thanks to SIRO’s €1 billion investment in building a high-quality fibre broadband network. Commenting on the expansion, John Keaney, SIRO Chief Executive Officer said:

“We are excited to bring SIRO’s world-class fibre broadband to Cobh. This investment will enable residents and businesses to enjoy seamless connectivity, supporting remote work, online learning, and local business growth. SIRO’s expansion in Cork reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-speed, future-proof broadband to communities across Ireland.”

On Safer Internet Day 2025, SIRO’s CTO, Suzanne Tracy’s guide serves as a timely resource for parents to proactively educate and empower their children, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable online experience.  Recent data highlights that 95% of Irish children aged 8-12 own their own smart device. This research, conducted by the charity CyberSafeKids, also notes how 87% of children have their own social media account.  Using devices and tapping into the wealth of resources which access to online platforms can provide can be hugely positive for kids. Helping with their schoolwork, staying connected to friends, entertainment and recreational tools are all the positives that technology brings.  However, as much as we want children to be able to avail of the opportunities for learning and enjoyment that technology can deliver, parents, educators and society also have a responsibility to help them stay safe online.  Studies by SafeWise show that more than 58% of parents say their child’s internet behaviours are a cause of concern for them.  Naturally, parents have concerns. Rather than be an anxious but passive parent, a quick crash course in some basic and easy to implement tools, can be effective in keeping our kids safer online. 

Passwords

Having a secure password is key for protecting your child’s information and accounts. Implementing a two-factor authentication, whereby users must first input their username and password, and subsequently enter a passcode they receive via text or email is just one of the ways you can create a barrier to hackers and threats.  Many of the commonly used social media platforms including Instagram and Facebook, now allow the option to create a two-factor authentication.  Another way of reducing the risk of someone gaining access to your account is by creating both a memorable and complex password.  Some things to consider when creating passwords would be to make sure you choose something with both uppercase and lowercase letters, containing both symbols and numbers too if possible. Ideally, passwords should also be changed frequently, and should be different across social media accounts. 

Managing access

Setting some ground rules on internet use and informing them of which sites are suitable to use can help children be more actively aware of their online behaviours.  An approach you could also take would be to limit access to certain websites by using blockers. This way, they can be prevented from clicking onto any sites which might not be age appropriate or safe.  In the UK, a Pew Research Centre survey noted that 39% of parents report using parental controls for blocking, filtering, or monitoring their teen’s online activities.  Another way of limiting access is having an agreement on how long your child can use their smart device for a day or how long they can spend on a certain social network. Apple for instance has a setting which means you can set limits on the amount of time you are allowed to spend on certain apps in a day.  Data from the Pew Research Centre also found that just over half of the parents surveyed restrict the amount of time or number of times their child goes online in a day. 

Social Media

Before your kids start using any social media platform, it is important to give them basic watchouts to keep them safe on these platforms such as: 

Always check if a post is sponsored or genuine. Look for hashtags like #Ad or #Gifted.

Not all viral content is factual. Double-check information using trusted sources before sharing.

Choose influencers who promote positive messages and transparency rather than unrealistic standards.

Social media is designed to keep users scrolling. Set time limits to maintain a healthy digital balance.

Be mindful of personal data sharing. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and update privacy settings.

While the idea of kids navigating social media and the internet might fill every parent with dread, sticking your head in the sand is not an option. This Safer Internet Day, let’s collectively commit to educating our kids, arming them against potential risks, and implementing measures to ensure a safer online environment for both parents and children.  For more information on Safer Internet Day 2025 and online safety tips, and resources visit Webwise. To find out if SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband is available to your home, search your Eircode today [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]

SIRO, Ireland’s leading fibre broadband network operator, has today (Tuesday, 26 November) announced that its high-speed fibre broadband service is now live in Leitrim’s county town, Carrick-on-Shannon. This expansion means SIRO now operates in every county across Ireland, marking an important milestone in its nationwide rollout of 100% fibre broadband. SIRO was founded in 2015, as a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone, to roll out a full fibre network across Ireland. Since then, SIRO has rolled out its network to over 620,000 premises in Ireland and to a total of 142 cities and towns to date, with its build ongoing. [caption id="attachment_9761" align="aligncenter" width="837"]

Pictured at the announcement are SIRO Chief Executive Officer John Keaney; Vodafone Ireland CEO Amanda Nelson (RIGHT) and ESB Deputy Chief Executive Marguerite Sayers (LEFT).[/caption] The significant expansion of SIRO’s network now means it has grown to become the second largest full fibre broadband network in the Irish market. SIRO currently offers speeds of up to 2 Gigabits for residential customers and up to 10 Gigabits for enterprise, but its network has the capacity to scale to 25 Gigabits when required. SIRO’s network going live in Carrick on Shannon also means that SIRO now has a live network in every county in Ireland (Republic). The addition of Carrick-on-Shannon to SIRO’s network forms part of its €1 billion investment in a future-proofed broadband infrastructure. While the company has reached over 620,00 premises to date, the company is on track to meet its commitment of over 700,000 premises by 2026.

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

“The milestone of reaching every county in Ireland matters hugely to SIRO, and to our parent companies ESB and Vodafone. It’s a measure of our longer-term ambition and continued growth. SIRO is a company driven by the objective of creating choice and real competition in the broadband market. We are already doing so in the 142 towns and cities in which we operate and remain focused on continuing to do so as our network expands further across Ireland. “Bringing full fibre broadband to Carrick-on-Shannon marks a major milestone for SIRO as our network’s footprint now extends to every county in Ireland. Carrick on Shannon joining the wider SIRO network across the Northwest region puts the town on a par with its neighbours in Sligo, Cavan, Donegal, Longford and Roscommon, ensuring that it has world-class connectivity and remains a great place to live and work.”

Vodafone Ireland CEO, Amanda Nelson noted:

“We are delighted to mark this milestone today in Carrick-on-Shannon and that with SIRO, our joint venture with ESB, we now deliver high speed gigabit broadband to every county in Ireland. Since launching in 2015 we have been delivering connectivity to people, businesses, and communities right across Ireland, while also offering greater competition within the market. “We are proud to be providing high-speed connectivity to homes and businesses and empowering local businesses, entrepreneurs, and remote workers in the community with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.”

Commenting, ESB Deputy Chief Executive Marguerite Sayers, said:

“With recent expansion of the network to Carrick-On-Shannon, I warmly welcome the milestone of SIRO’s availability in every county of Ireland. It marks a significant collective achievement for ESB, our partners in Vodafone and of course the hard-working SIRO team. In less than ten years, the Joint Venture has brought access to ultra-fast fibre broadband connectivity to 620,000 families and small businesses across regional Ireland and is entirely in keeping with ESB’s commitment to the communities we serve.”

Justin Fannon, Director of Services (Acting) Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services, Leitrim County Council Justin Fannon, noted:

“I am delighted to see this announcement today by SIRO that 800 premises in Carrick on Shannon can now connect to Fibre Broadband with a further 800 to follow in the coming months. The local authority welcomes the SIRO installation and the economic benefits it has the potential to bring to the area by strengthening connectivity and providing confidence to businesses to expand their use of digital technologies.”

Carrick on Shannon residents can check if SIRO is available at their premises by searching their Eircode here. [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]

SIRO, Ireland’s leading wholesale fibre broadband network operator, has announced that its 100% fibre broadband network has now gone live for homes and businesses in Portarlington. As of this month, over 1,400 premises in Portarlington have access to SIRO’s future-proof fibre broadband, with more to come over the coming months. Work is ongoing to complete a further 1,300 premises in the town. These premises will be available for order by December. Once completed, this will bring the total number of passed homes and businesses in Portarlington to 2,700. SIRO’s investment in Portarlington ensures a fast, reliable, and future-proofed broadband network for the town and its residents. The areas in Portarlington covered by SIRO’s rollout include (but are not limited to): St Brigid’s Square, Station Road, Kilnacourt Woods, The Glen, Castlelea View, Lansdowne Road, Whitefields, Castlegate, Railway Mews, Milbrook Manor, and Lough Gate.

SIRO already enjoys a strong and growing footprint across Laois and the wider Midlands. This includes over 11,000 premises on the SIRO network in Portlaoise, 5,500 premises passed in Tullamore and large network in other key midlands towns including Athlone, Mullingar and Carlow. SIRO, now Ireland’s second largest fibre broadband operator, is on track to reach over 700,000 premises in towns and cities across Ireland by 2026. Currently, more than 600,000 premises in 135 towns and cities across the country have access to the SIRO network. Overall, SIRO is investing over €1 billion to deliver high-speed, future-proofed broadband throughout Ireland. Commenting on SIRO’s network rollout in Portarlington, SIRO Chief Executive Officer John Keaney said:

“Laois is one of the fastest growing counties in Ireland, with Portarlington’s population continuing to increase in recent years. To ensure that towns like Portarlington continue to develop, it’s important the community has access to critical services such as fast and reliable fibre broadband. “SIRO’s full fibre broadband network in Portarlington will enable people to work from home, avoiding long commutes, families and communities to stay connected and businesses to work more productively and expand their use of digital tools for growth. We encourage residents and businesses in Portarlington to experience the benefits of our cutting-edge fibre network and join us in this exciting journey towards a more connected future.”

In today's world, having a fast and reliable broadband internet connection is as essential as having electricity and running water. Whether you're streaming your favourite show, working from home, or connecting with loved ones, the type of broadband you choose can make a big difference in your online experience. The two main types of broadband technologies you'll come across are copper (cable is also a form of copper) and fibre. Have a quick look at each of their characteristics:

Speed: How Fast Is It?

Think of copper broadband as an older car. It gets you where you need to go, but it's not winning any races. Copper can handle everyday activities like browsing websites and checking emails just fine. However, if you have multiple people streaming videos or gaming online at the same time, you might start to notice some lagging and buffering. Typically, copper broadband offers speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 20Mbps. On the other hand, fibre broadband is like a high-performance sports car. It's built for speed and efficiency. A fibre optic connection into your house can transmit >1 Gigabit of data per second. This means no more waiting buffering on games, and your video calls will be crisp and clear, even if several people in your household are online at the same time.

Reliability: Will It Keep Working?

Copper: Sensitive to Distance and Interference Copper broadband can be less reliable because the signal quality diminishes over long distances. Additionally, copper wires can be affected by electrical interference from other devices and weather conditions, which can cause your internet to slow down or drop out. Fibre: Consistent and Robust Fibre broadband is much more reliable. Since it uses light signals, distance has a minimal impact on performance. Fibre-optic cables are also less susceptible to interference and weather conditions. This means you get a more consistent and stable connection, rain or shine.

Bandwidth: Can It Handle Multiple Devices?

Copper: Limited Capacity Copper broadband has limited bandwidth, which can be a bottleneck if you have many devices connected simultaneously. For example, if someone is streaming a movie in the living room, another person is on a video call in the office, and someone else is gaming in their bedroom, you might notice slower speeds and buffering. Fibre: Plenty of Room Fibre broadband offers much higher bandwidth, making it perfect for households with multiple devices. You can stream HD or 4K videos, play online games, and have video calls going on all at the same time without any noticeable slowdown. It's like having a multi-lane highway versus a single-lane road; there's just more room for data to flow.

Copper Switch-off: Saying Goodbye to Outdated, Slow Broadband

Besides the superior performance of fibre against a copper connection, it is important to consider that the days of copper are numbered. Ireland’s telecoms regulator, Comreg, has approved the commencement of the copper switch off process. Separately, the European Commission wants all copper broadband to be switched off across the EU by no later than 2030. Copper switch-off refers to the planned discontinuation of the traditional copper broadband network. Copper is being switched off because it simply can’t meet the demands, of more bandwidth, higher speeds and greater data needs, now placed upon it. Not only will copper broadband be phased out but a wide range of devices currently dependent on copper may need to be upgraded to be compatible with modern broadband. These include many everyday home and business devices, such as landline phones, house and fire alarms, medical and security monitors, lifts, retail sales terminals or CCTV systems. In summary, fibre broadband is faster, more reliable, and better suited for the demands of modern broadband usage. If you are currently on a copper connection, it’s time to find out if fibre broadband is available to you and make the switch. You can check if SIRO is available at your premises here. [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]