Gigabit Hub Initiative

SIRO and Vodafone powering Ireland’s Gigabit Hubs

SIRO and Vodafone have partnered on a unique new initiative which has the ambitious aim of connecting community and enterprise centres in 15 towns nationwide.

The Gigabit Hub Initiative, powered by SIRO and Vodafone, aims to spark a digital transformation in 15 towns across Ireland by providing Gigabit connectivity to qualifying hubs free of charge for two years. The recipients will receive a 1 Gigabit broadband connection from Vodafone which is powered by SIRO’s 100% fibre-optic network. The aim of the initiative is to replicate the success of the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen which is on course to help create 500 jobs in the West Cork region over the next five years.

The Gigabit connectivity will help to boost startups in the region, encourage existing businesses and remote workers to relocate to the hubs and has the potential to stimulate local economic growth and regeneration.

Community Hubs with Gigabit connectivity can help regional towns compete with larger urban areas by attracting highly skilled people, encouraging start-ups and making a town more attractive for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Co-working space has been shown to foster innovation and collaboration among client companies. Big ideas can be developed locally and marketed worldwide, giving client companies the opportunity to pursue their dream without leaving their town.

Community Hubs can also play a valuable role in increasing digital literacy among the young, the old and the so called “non-liners” by organising training and education, bringing both social and economic benefits.

Enterprise and community hubs in 15 towns across the country – Dundalk, Cavan town, Carrigaline, Sligo, Letterkenny, Wexford town, Drogheda, Portlaoise, Castlebar, Mullingar, Newbridge, Ennis, Ratheniska, Tralee and Carlow town – can apply by registering their interest on gigabithubinitiative@sirobroadband.wpengine.com.

See criteria here.