SIRO to sponsor Home of the Year on RTÉ One

John Keaney, SIRO CEO and Amanda Bone, Home of the Year judge.

One of Ireland's favourite lifestyle shows Home of the Year, returns for its 12th series and will be proudly sponsored by SIRO. The brand-new series will air on RTÉ One in an earlier slot of 7pm on Tuesday, 3 March. SIRO and RTÉ Media Sales wish to acknowledge the passing of Hugh Wallace. Hugh had been a cherished judge on the programme since its inception, and he will be fondly remembered for his warmth, generosity of spirit, and gentle humour, as well as for the special connection he formed with viewers over the years. Series 12 of Home of the Year was completed prior to his passing. The sponsorship deal includes a total of 96 SIRO-credited stings airing across RTÉ One and RTÉ One+1, including series repeats, live broadcasts and catch-up viewing on RTÉ Player. The SIRO sponsor logo will also feature on all dedicated television and social media promotional materials Home of the Year will feature 21 stunning homes in the counties of Armagh, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Down, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Mayo, Roscommon and Wicklow. From reimagined semi-detached houses to restored period homes to architectural new builds, the series promises to inspire viewers with a diverse range of design styles and creativity from across the country. Award-winning architect Amanda Bone of DTA Architects returns for her sixth series as a judge, and award-winning interior consultant Siobhán Lam, founder of April and the Bear, for her second series. Each week, the judges will visit three exceptional homes and score them out of 10 based on individuality, functionality, and clever design. The home with the highest combined score in each episode will advance to the grand final in April, where one lucky homeowner will be crowned the winner.   John Keaney, SIRO CEO said:
““SIRO is pleased to partner with RTÉ on the new season of Home of the Year. The series celebrates creativity, innovation and high-quality design, values which mirror SIRO’s own mission to deliver excellence in broadband connectivity to Irish homes, businesses and communities. Whether working from home, streaming and gaming, or video calling SIRO’s fibre broadband brings people together. Over the next 8 weeks, we are excited to watch Home of the Year also create connections as viewers across Ireland tune in to see the fabulous homes featured and pick their favourites across the series. This series, the last to feature Hugh Wallace, highlights the significant contribution he made to the show over the years and the huge loss his passing is for his family and friends.”
Caroline Shesgreen, Business Director at Dentsu Ireland said:
“We are delighted to have secured the sponsorship of Home of the Year for our client, SIRO. Aligning SIRO’s fibre broadband with such a contextually relevant and much-loved programme represents a powerful strategic fit. With the programme’s highly engaged and loyal audience, this partnership provides an ideal platform to showcase SIRO’s high quality broadband to viewers who value both exceptional homes and exceptional connectivity. As the show continues, it does so honouring the legacy of Hugh Wallace, whose creativity and warmth were central to its appeal.”
Ruth Kennedy, Sponsorship Manager, RTÉ, said:
“RTÉ Media Sales is delighted to welcome SIRO as sponsors of Home of the Year. This upcoming series marks the final appearance of beloved judge Hugh Wallace, who had been part of the programme since its inception. Hugh will be deeply remembered for his warmth and compassion, his sharp intellect, and his remarkable expertise, along with the genuine connection he created with audiences across Ireland. The popular series, which showcases stunning Irish homes from around the country, continues to attract a loyal weekly audience of over 300,000 viewers. This partnership provides SIRO with a meaningful opportunity to connect with homeowners and viewers through a programme that celebrates the very best of Irish homes.”

Amanda Bone, Home of the Year judge and Marianne Murphy, SIRO Head of Marketing.

 
Broadband network operator, SIRO, has concluded an agreement with broadband retailer, Imagine, which will give the retailer access to SIRO’s full fibre network. The deal will allow Imagine to sell fibre broadband products and services to over 700,000 residential consumers across Ireland who have existing access to the SIRO network. SIRO’s network now reaches over 150 towns and cities in every county in Ireland as it continues to roll out its network. As a wholesale network operator, SIRO partners with broadband retailers, such as Imagine, who resell its network to residential and business customers. The agreement enhances Imagine’s offering to provide an extensive fibre to the home (FTTH) network across Ireland and complements their ambitious plans to significantly grow its customer base. In addition to providing access to SIRO’s fibre network, new and existing Imagine customers will enjoy SIRO’s high-quality, high-speed fibre broadband offering speeds of up to 5 gigabits for residential consumers. SIRO’s broadband network is built with a capacity of up to 25 gigabits, ensuring that it is primed and future proofed to meet bandwidth requirements as they grow over time.

Thursday 5th February 2026; Glena Brady, Imagine Chief Commercial Officer and Ronan Whelan, SIRO Chief Commercial Officer at the Siro Imagine Partnership Announcement, Dublin.

  Commenting on the agreement, SIRO Chief Commercial Officer Ronan Whelan noted that:
““Today’s partnership is good news for Imagine customers, ensuring they can enjoy SIRO’s fast, reliable and trusted fibre broadband. As a leading Irish fibre broadband operator, SIRO has a track record of partnering with retailers to provide high quality broadband services to consumers. We are pleased to continue this approach with Imagine. It has a strong reputation for customer service and excellence, and this aligns with SIRO’s value of prioritising and delivering for end users.”
Imagine Commercial Director, Glenda Brady stated that:
“This partnership with SIRO allows Imagine to bring high-quality full-fibre broadband into more towns and cities across Ireland, complementing our existing network and expanding our footprint so we can double our customer base. For us, fibre isn’t just about faster speeds; it is about doing broadband properly and giving Irish people a genuine alternative. Customers want reliability, clarity and pricing they can trust, not short-term deals that change after a year. At Imagine, we’ve taken a long-term view. Our fibre plans come with one clear price, frozen until the end of 2030, and the flexibility to leave anytime. Partnering with SIRO means we can extend that approach to more homes and businesses, giving people access to fast, dependable fibre without the uncertainty that has come to define the market.”
SIRO, Ireland’s leading 100% fibre broadband network operator, is pleased to announce that its full fibre network will go live for homes and businesses across Ashford in County Wicklow by the end of this month.  As part of the latest phase of the rollout, 512 homes in Ashford will be able to connect to SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband, bringing fast, reliable, and future-proof broadband connectivity to the local community.  The areas going live include, but are not limited to: Ashford Down, Meadow View, The Avenue, The Birches, The Glen, The Green, The Hazels, The Way, The Walk, The Views, The Close, The Court, Rosana Close, Milltown Lane, Ballinahinch Park, The Birches, and Meadow View.  This expansion is part of SIRO’s continued investment in County Wicklow, where its full fibre network has now passed 27,800 premises reaching almost 80,000 people. SIRO’s broadband network is already live in multiple Wicklow towns, including Arklow, Blessington, Bray, Greystones, Kilcoole and Wicklow town, enhancing digital access and choice for communities across the county.  SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband brings speeds capable of supporting modern digital needs, from seamless remote working and online learning to ultra-fast streaming and smart home connectivity. As a wholesale open-access network, customers in Ashford can choose from a range of leading broadband providers offering services over SIRO’s network including Vodafone, Sky, Virgin Media, Digiweb, Pure Telecom, Blacknight. 
“We’re delighted to bring SIRO’s fibre broadband to homes and businesses in Ashford. This rollout reflects our commitment to delivering future-ready connectivity to communities right across Wicklow and Ireland. High-quality broadband is essential for everyday life, and we look forward to supporting even more people experience the benefits of full fibre,” said John Keaney, Chief Executive Officer, SIRO.
To check whether your home or business can connect, and to see which providers are available in your area, search your Eircode at SIRO.ie  
Applications are now open for the 2026 SIRO-Vodafone Gigabit Hub Initiative, as the programme marks its 10th anniversary and celebrates a decade of connectivity support for 25 digital and remote working hubs across Ireland.  The Initiative was launched in 2016 with the objective of supporting digital and remote working hubs by providing them with best-in-class fibre connectivity to ensure that hubs can provide their end-users with high quality, reliable and future-proofed Gigabit broadband.   Skibbereen’s, Ludgate Hub, was the first Hub to join the Initiative. Over the decade since, the Ludgate Hub has thrived and continues to work with start-ups, businesses, entrepreneurs' community to underpin their development and wider regional economic growth.   SIRO broadband connectivity across 25 hubs has consistently highlighted how high-capacity, reliable broadband has underpinned their ability to support data-intensive work, collaborate with remote teams, host workshops and events, and provide stable digital environments for early-stage businesses, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.   Over the past decade, the Gigabit Hub Initiative has supported a diverse range of regional enterprise and remote working hubs across Ireland.   These include The Mill in Drogheda, the town’s first purpose-built innovation hub supporting enterprise across South Louth and East Meath; THE CUBE in Portlaoise, a Low Carbon Centre of Excellence dedicated to supporting the transition to a sustainable economy in County Laois; CREW Digital, an enterprise space for businesses in the creative and digital sectors; MERITS, an innovation think space advancing digital and technology innovation in Naas; and Inishowen Innovation, which plays a key role in fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement in the Inishowen Peninsula and the wider North-West region.   Together, these hubs reflect the breadth of industries supported through the Initiative, spanning technology, creative enterprise, sustainability and community-led innovation.  John Keaney, CEO of SIRO, commented:
“A decade on, regional digital and remote working hubs have become magnets for collaboration, innovation, and opportunity. Reliable fibre broadband has been a foundation beneath that evolution. We are proud to have partnered with hubs that are deeply rooted in their communities and committed to enabling others to thrive.  Our focus for this year is clear: continue to empower hubs that drive innovation, connection, and opportunity for their communities. With the application process now open to be the next hub in this Initiative, I encourage interested hubs to apply..”
Sabrina Casalta, Vodafone Ireland CEO, added:
“For communities and local businesses across Ireland, the SIROVodafone Gigabit Hub Initiative has become a real catalyst for rural progress. When hubs gain access to dependable, highcapacity fibre, it lifts the entire local economy, supporting small businesses to grow, enabling startups to innovate, and helping people build meaningful careers without leaving their own community – ensuring no one is left behind. Over ten years, we’ve seen the initiative strengthen regional resilience, unlock new opportunities, and ensure that innovation isn’t limited to major cities. As we look to the next decade, it’s vital that futureproof, sustainable access is available everywhere in the country, so every community can participate fully in Ireland’s digital future.  This progress aligns with the Irish Government’s evolving ambitions under the next iteration of ‘Our Rural Future’, while also ensuring that worldclass connectivity becomes a catalyst for stronger local economies, sustainable growth, and vibrant community life across rural Ireland. As applications open for 2026, we’re committed to investing and backing more hubs that are driving ambition, creativity and economic growth in their communities.”
The application process for the Gigabit Hub Initiative is now open. Further information about the Initiative and how to apply can be found at The Gigabit Hub Initiative - SIRO.ie
Over 1,000 premises to go live by the end of the rollout. SIRO, the 100% fibre broadband network operator, today announced that its network is now live in Moate, delivering future-proof connectivity to homes and businesses across the town.  A total of 908 premises in Moate can now connect to SIRO’s 100% fibre network, with a further 220 premises to be completed by March 2026 as part of the company’s ongoing rollout.  Areas in Moate where SIRO’s fibre broadband is now available include, but are not limited to: Mount Carmel Drive, Ard Grainne, Clibborne Way, Station Road, Saint Patrick’s Crescent, Cartron Keel, The Newtown, Main Street, Ave Maria Park, Abbeygrange, Cartron Grange, The Turnpike, Dublin Road, Weavers Row, College Court, Sliabh Rua, Toorvalley, Clara Road, Coillin Búi and Cois na hAbhainn.  This latest deployment forms part of SIRO’s wider investment in County Westmeath, where the company has now passed almost 19,000 premises with fibre broadband. SIRO’s network is already live in other towns across the county, including Athlone, Kinnegad and Mullingar. More broadly across the Midlands, SIRO continues to expand its footprint, with 16,300 premises passed in Laois, close to 5,000 in Longford, and almost 11,000 in Offaly, further strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure.  SIRO is investing over €1 billion in building Ireland’s most advanced fibre broadband network, enabling reliable, gigabit-speed connectivity nationwide. The company’s network is built on 100% fibre technology, ensuring customers benefit from greater reliability, faster speeds, and long-term capacity to support the growing digital needs of homes and businesses.  [caption id="attachment_11695" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Sunset in Moate Co Westmeath Ireland[/caption] Commenting on the announcement, SIRO John Keaney said:
“Joining the 30% Club marks a significant milestone in SIRO’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive and forward-thinking organisation. Diversity isn’t just a value for us; it’s a driver of creativity and resilience in a rapidly evolving telecoms sector. At SIRO, we’re proud of the progress so far but we recognise that real change is ongoing and we’re eager to work with the 30% Club to keep pushing boundaries.”
SIRO is a wholesaler, so homes  and businesses in Moate can order SIRO-powered broadband through the company’s numerous retail partners including Virgin Media, Vodafone, Sky and  Digiweb. To check availability and learn more, visit SIRO.ie. 
SIRO has become the latest organisation to join the 30% Club, reinforcing its commitment to advancing gender balance in leadership. As a leading Irish wholesale fibre broadband network provider, SIRO is now part of a global campaign driven by Board Chairs and CEOs who share a common goal: achieving greater gender diversity at senior levels and across organisations to deliver stronger business outcomes. Formed 10 years ago as a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone, SIRO was the first company to roll out a full fibre network in Ireland. Today, SIRO has grown to become the second-largest fibre broadband network in the country, reaching almost 700,000 premises across 145 towns and cities in every county. SIRO continues to expand its network, adding thousands of new premises each month and works with more than 20 retail partners, including Virgin Media, Vodafone, Sky and Digiweb, to deliver high-speed connectivity to homes and businesses nationwide. SIRO’s membership of the 30% Club demonstrates its strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The company has a proven track record of promoting gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated telecoms industry. Today, 57% of SIRO’s senior leadership team is female, with both a female Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) The company was also one of the first in Ireland to sign up to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles. Internally, SIRO champions gender diversity through its Women and Allies employee resource group and runs programmes such as mentoring, coaching, and return-to-work initiatives targeting women and minority groups. [caption id="attachment_11677" align="aligncenter" width="748"] Pictured are John Keaney, SIRO CEO and Elizabeth Sheehan, 30% Club Country Executive as we proudly announce that SIRO has joined the 30% Club.[/caption]   John Keaney, CEO of SIRO, commented:
“Joining the 30% Club marks a significant milestone in SIRO’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive and forward-thinking organisation. Diversity isn’t just a value for us; it’s a driver of creativity and resilience in a rapidly evolving telecoms sector. At SIRO, we’re proud of the progress so far but we recognise that real change is ongoing and we’re eager to work with the 30% Club to keep pushing boundaries.”
Elizabeth Sheehan, Country Executive at the 30% Club, added:
“I’m thrilled to have SIRO join the 30% Club community. SIRO’s leadership in Ireland’s digital transformation gives it a unique platform to influence positive change, both within its business and across the telecoms industry. By partnering with SIRO, we can amplify efforts to advance gender balance and create opportunities for women to thrive in leadership roles.” Further benefits of the 30% Club membership include enhanced employee engagement, consumer trust, and access to cross-company mentoring, scholarships, and industry-specific networking events.
Broadband operator, SIRO, has announced it is launching a bespoke broadband product created for developers building new homes across Ireland. SIRO expects its new product, OpenPort, to deliver substantial environmental and cost benefits, with the company predicting the product will notably reduce the cost of rolling out broadband networks to new homes . SIRO’s new product, OpenPort, will streamline the delivery of fibre broadband services to housing developments by instead providing a shared access broadband infrastructure onsite. This will avoid, as currently occurs, the costly over duplication of telecom infrastructures amongst multiple operators seeking to provide services to new housing estates. Under forthcoming regulations, the Gigabit Infrastructure Act, which will take effect in Ireland from February 2026, developers are required to provide a fibre broadband infrastructure onsite which is accessible to multiple telecoms network operators. SIRO’s new product, OpenPort, responds to this requirement by providing developers with a shared access fibre broadband service for their new developments, which will be compliant with these regulations. Currently, to enable multiple operators serve a housing development, developers have been required to accommodate multiple broadband infrastructures onsite. The negative impact of this method of rolling out fibre broadband in new developments has been the unnecessary duplication of broadband infrastructure onsite. This can lead to not only excessive expenditure, but also the avoidable use of limited site space to facilitate these multiple infrastructures. With SIRO’s OpenPort, developers will still be able to accommodate multiple fibre broadband operators on their developments but with the advantage of using a single network infrastructure. A developer moving to SIRO’s OpenPort product will also enjoy environmental benefits by reducing the construction works needed to facilitate fibre broadband rollouts. For homeowners and tenants, they will continue to enjoy choice and competition by maintaining access to multiple telecoms retailers. SIRO has also analysed the financial benefits that can be achieved by adopting its OpenPort product and is confident that the product will substantially reduce the cost of deploying fibre broadband networks to new homes across the country. SIRO has announced that its first OpenPort new development site will be at Monaleen in Limerick city. The development, known as Old Orchard, is being constructed by one of Ireland’s leading developers, the Homeland Group, and will see 131 new homes constructed at the site. These homes are expected to have first occupancy by Spring 2026. More broadly, SIRO has confirmed that the OpenPort product will be available to all developers from Q2, 2026. SIRO is a wholesale network operator, rolling out a fibre to the premise network across Ireland now available to almost 700,000 premises in 143 cities and towns. It network is built on the ESB’s existing electricity network, utilising both its overhead and underground ducting infrastructure. Commenting on OpenPort, SIRO CEO John Keaney noted:
“Delivering fast and future proofed fibre broadband infrastructure and services to new homes is a small but essential part of the construction of new homes overall. A high-quality fibre to the home broadband connection is a non-negotiable for all homes, supporting how we now live and work. “Like all the component parts of developing new homes, rolling out fibre broadband infrastructure comes at a cost – environmental, financial, resource and time wise - to broadband operators, developers and consumers.” “Initiatives, like OpenPort, which can streamline the delivery process, reduce the timelines, and maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of building fibre broadband networks in new developments remain important. “By reducing overduplication of broadband networks on new development sites, SIRO’s OpenPort will also give back much needed site space to developers, whilst also providing wider sustainability benefits. “SIRO is excited to bring this product to market for developers from next year. The feedback to date on it from key stakeholders in the construction industry, who understand the benefits it can offer, has been hugely positive,” added Mr. Keaney.
 Homeland Construction Director Mike Quaid noted:
“Homeland has worked with SIRO to deliver fibre broadband to our new homes across the country for several years now. “The construction industry is constantly challenged to innovate, build more sustainability and efficiently, whilst maintaining affordability for home buyers. In terms of delivering fast, reliable and future proofed full fibre broadband for our home buyers and tenants, we see the huge potential of SIRO’s OpenPort to meet these objectives.”
For any further queries regarding your new home, please contact info@siro.ie or search your 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"]
Wexford businesses who are still reliance on outdated and slower copper broadband are at risk of reduced productivity, increased employee frustration and dissatisfied customers, according to newly published research. The independent research, commissioned by 100% fibre broadband operator, SIRO, examined the impact of poor broadband connectivity on business productivity, employee engagement and customer experience.    Nationally, 34% of workers say they have experienced slow broadband at work, while one-in-four (25%), report poor broadband is directly affecting their ability to do their job effectively.  A significant majority, almost 60%, of respondents felt that their home broadband was better than their broadband at their workplace.   Customers are equally dissatisfied with 60% of respondents in Leinster reporting they have experienced poor and slow broadband at businesses with 24% saying they either would not or would be unsure of returning to a business with bad connectivity.    SIRO has responded to the connectivity challenges faced by Irish SMEs, by launching a new full fibre product tailored specifically for this business sector. The product, known as LightPulse, provides 1 Gigabit download speeds and a boosted 250 Megabit upload speed over SIRO’s full fibre-to-the-premises network. It also comes with a service level agreement to ensure continuity of service.  SIRO’s campaign launch features Wexford business and LightPulse user, Dental Care Ireland.  After experiencing issues with slow and unreliable connectivity, which disrupted daily operations, Dental Care switched to SIRO’s new LightPulse fibre broadband product, supported by broadband retailer Digiweb.   The practice reports the difference has been immediate and significant from the start, with a straightforward and hassle-free set up, service tailored to their needs, and reliable connectivity that has enabled them to run the clinic efficiently.    SIRO’s LightPulse product offers a bespoke broadband solution specifically for smaller companies, providing them with the high speeds and ongoing connectivity support essential for their daily business operations.   SIRO’s is rolling out its full fibre broadband network is available in Wexford and towns across the Northwest. SIRO is a wholesaler and partners with broadband retail partners including Fastcom, Vodafone, Digiweb, Viatel, Blacknight, and Ivertec to deliver connectivity solutions for SMEs. Full details are available on SIRO's website.  Rachel Dempsey, Practice Manager in Dental Care Ireland Wexford said:  
"Our experience with LightPulse broadband, powered by SIRO has been excellent. From the start, getting set up was straightforward and hassle-free, and we were offered a service tailored to fit our needs. We would have no hesitation in recommending LightPulse to other small businesses looking for a broadband service they can truly depend on.” 
Commenting on the findings, SIRO’s Head of Enterprise, Aoife O’Reilly noted: 
“This independent research confirms the fact that Irish business, particularly smaller businesses, are still relying on outdated copper connections which can no longer support their business needs.  “What is worrying for the longer-term growth and viability of these businesses, particularly in an era of connectivity-hungry AI, is that their poor connectivity is now affecting their workers and customers – both of which are fundamental to the success of any business.  “It’s understandable with businesses challenged by a multitude of issues that connectivity can get left on the long finger, but today’s research clearly shows that poor broadband is now having a direct impact on the performance and growth of many Irish businesses.  “Copper switch off is drawing ever closer, so rather than find themselves at a cliff edge, Irish businesses should check that they can avail of full fibre connectivity and proactively make the switch. Our research clearly shows that their employees, customers and bottom line will thank them for making the move,” added Ms. O’Reilly. 
Cork businesses who are still reliance on outdated and slower copper broadband are at risk of reduced productivity, increased employee frustration and dissatisfied customers, according to newly published research.   The independent research, commissioned by 100% fibre broadband operator, SIRO, examined the impact of poor broadband connectivity on business productivity, employee engagement and customer experience.    Nationally, 34% of workers say they have experienced slow broadband at work, while one-in-four (25%), report poor broadband is directly affecting their ability to do their job effectively.   A significant majority, almost 60%, of respondents felt that their home broadband was better than their broadband at their workplace.  Customers are equally dissatisfied with over half of respondents (56%) in Munster reporting they have experienced poor and slow broadband at businesses with 22% saying they either would not or would be unsure of returning to a business with bad connectivity.   SIRO has responded to the connectivity challenges faced by Irish SMEs, by launching a new full fibre product tailored specifically for this business sector. The product, known as LightPulse, provides 1 Gigabit download speeds and a boosted 250 Megabit upload speed over SIRO’s full fibre-to-the-premises network. It also comes with a service level agreement to ensure continuity of service.  SIRO’s campaign launch features St. Anne’s Church Shandon Bells & Tower, one of Cork’s most iconic attractions and the oldest church in the city still in continuous use. After experiencing slow and unreliable broadband which often disrupted booking and payment systems. St. Anne’s upgraded to SIRO’s LightPulse product, supported by broadband retailer Digiweb.  The change for St. Anne’s has been transformative. Payment and booking systems now run seamlessly, the network supports more devices without issue, and the team no longer worries about connectivity getting in the way of serving visitors.  SIRO’s LightPulse product offers a bespoke broadband solution specifically for smaller companies, providing them with the high speeds and ongoing connectivity support essential for their daily business operations.   SIRO is rolling out its full fibre broadband network across Cork City and county, working with retail partners including Digiweb, Vodafone, Viatel, Blacknight, Ivertec, and Fastcom to deliver connectivity solutions for SMEs.  Marisa O’Mahony, Tower Manager at St. Anne's Church Shandon Tower & Bells commented:  
“Reliable broadband is vital for running our booking and payment systems smoothly, so making the switch to LightPulse, powered by SIRO, has been a big success for us.”  "Since upgrading, our payment and booking systems run seamlessly, and we no longer worry about connectivity holding us back. For any business struggling with unreliable broadband or needing to support more devices, we would highly recommend LightPulse". 
Commenting on the findings, SIRO’s Head of Enterprise, Aoife O’Reilly noted: 
“This independent research confirms the fact that Irish business, particularly smaller businesses, are still relying on outdated copper connections which can no longer support their business needs.  “What is worrying for the longer-term growth and viability of these businesses, particularly in an era of connectivity-hungry AI, is that their poor connectivity is now affecting their workers and customers – both of which are fundamental to the success of any business.  “It’s understandable with businesses challenged by a multitude of issues that connectivity can get left on the long finger, but today’s research clearly shows that poor broadband is now having a direct impact on the performance and growth of many Irish businesses.  “Copper switch off is drawing ever closer, so rather than find themselves at a cliff edge, Irish businesses should check that they can avail of full fibre connectivity and proactively make the switch. Our research clearly shows that their employees, customers and bottom line will thank them for making the move,” added Ms. O’Reilly. 
Sligo businesses who are still reliance on outdated and slower copper broadband are at risk of reduced productivity, increased employee frustration and dissatisfied customers, according to newly published research. The independent research, commissioned by 100% fibre broadband operator, SIRO, examined the impact of poor broadband connectivity on business productivity, employee engagement and customer experience.    Nationally, 34% of workers say they have experienced slow broadband at work, while one-in-four (25%), report poor broadband is directly affecting their ability to do their job effectively.  In the Connacht–Ulster region, the issue is even more pronounced, with 40% of workers reporting poor connectivity in their workplace and almost a third (32%) saying it harms their productivity.  A significant majority, almost 60%, of respondents felt that their home broadband was better than their broadband at their workplace.   Customers are equally dissatisfied when engaging with businesses with poor and slow broadband, with more than half of Connacht-Ulster respondents (52%) saying they either would not or would be unsure of returning to a business with bad connectivity.   SIRO has responded to the connectivity challenges faced by Irish SMEs, by launching a new full fibre product tailored specifically for this business sector. The product, known as LightPulse, provides 1 Gigabit download speeds and a boosted 250 Megabit upload speed over SIRO’s full fibre-to-the-premises network. It also comes with a service level agreement to ensure continuity of service.  SIRO’s campaign launch features Sligo business and LightPulse user, Kate’s Kitchen. Run by sisters Kate, Beth, and Jane O’Hara, and located on Sligo’s Castle Street, the gourmet grocer and café combine in-store service with nationwide delivery and a strong online presence.   As the business expanded, its copper-based broadband connection could no longer keep up — payment terminals lagged during busy hours, uploading product images became time-consuming, and their VOIP phone service was unreliable. Earlier this year, Kate’s Kitchen became one of the first businesses in Sligo, supported by broadband retailer Fastcom, to upgrade to fibre broadband with SIRO’s new LightPulse product.     For Kate’s Kitchen, the results have been transformative. Card transactions are now instant, cloud-based stock systems sync seamlessly, and content uploads to social and e-commerce platforms are completed in seconds. With reliable in-store Wi-Fi now available for staff and suppliers, the business can provide a smoother service both at the counter and behind the scenes, ensuring customers always get the seamless experience they expect.  SIRO’s is rolling out its full fibre broadband network is available in  Sligo and towns across the Northwest. SIRO is a wholesaler and partners with broadband retail partners including Fastcom, Vodafone, Digiweb, Viatel, Blacknight, and Ivertec to deliver connectivity solutions for SMEs. Full details are available on SIRO's website.  Commenting on their experience with SIRO’s LightPulse, Kate O’Hara, Store Manager at Kate’s Kitchen said:  
“We are a family-run store with a love of great food and great service and behind the scenes, tech is a huge part of making that happen. With SIRO’s LightPulse connection, everything runs faster. Uploading product photos is instant, our phone service is crystal clear, and customers get quicker service at the tills. It’s really taken the pressure off day-to-day.”
Lorraine Gribbons, Managing Director, Fastcom said:
“Kate’s Kitchen is the heartbeat of independent retail in Sligo, warm, driven, and deeply connected to their community. We are delighted to support their growth with our new SIRO LightPulse 1Gb service. It’s a broadband solution that truly matches the pace and passion of their business.”- 
Commenting on the findings, SIRO’s Head of Enterprise, Aoife O’Reilly noted: 
“This independent research confirms the fact that Irish business, particularly smaller businesses, are still relying on outdated copper connections which can no longer support their business needs.  “What is worrying for the longer-term growth and viability of these businesses, particularly in an era of connectivity-hungry AI, is that their poor connectivity is now affecting their workers and customers – both of which are fundamental to the success of any business.  “It’s understandable with businesses challenged by a multitude of issues that connectivity can get left on the long finger, but today’s research clearly shows that poor broadband is now having a direct impact on the performance and growth of many Irish businesses.  “Copper switch off is drawing ever closer, so rather than find themselves at a cliff edge, Irish businesses should check that they can avail of full fibre connectivity and proactively make the switch. Our research clearly shows that their employees, customers and bottom line will thank them for making the move,” added Ms. O’Reilly.