SIRO-Vodafone GigaBitHub Initiative Supports 650 Jobs In 20 Locations

A joint remote working initiative between SIRO, the fibre network operator, and Vodafone, Ireland’s leading broadband provider, known as the Gigabit Hub Initiative (GHI), has reached a new milestone by providing Gigabit broadband connectivity to 1,000 desks in hubs across regional Ireland, supporting more than 650 jobs since the programme was first established in 2016.

The GHI works by providing best in class Gigabit connectivity for digital working hubs across Ireland. Under the Initiative, digital working hubs are connected, at no cost, to the SIRO full fibre network; provided with two years free Gigabit broadband; and receive both technical and marketing supports designed to provide best in class connectivity to remote working hubs and to help promote the hub to local users.

Recognised as the international gold standard for broadband, the Fibre-to-the-Building connectivity is a major factor in helping to attract businesses and remote workers to the hubs across regional Ireland. This in turn creates a virtuous cycle by indirectly boosting investment and creating employment in the local economy.

Since it first commenced eight years, with the groundbreaking Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen, 20 remote and digital working hubs have now participated in the Initiative. Collectively the 20 Hubs now host over 1,000 desks, used by a wider range of businesses from larger more established companies to newly formed start-ups. A wide range and type of companies are now using Gigabit Hubs such as CitySwift, an intelligent transport data platform or TriggerFish Animation based in Galway’s PorterShed and CREW Digital hubs respectively or FRS Recruitment with a regional office in The Cube Portlaoise.

Hubs which have benefitted from the Initiative include: Dundalk Regional Development Centre at the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT); The Mill, Drogheda’s first purpose built innovation hub for the accelerated creation of new enterprises in the South Louth, East Meath and Drogheda areas; The Ludgate Hub a digital initiative first of its kind in rural Ireland and an exemplar project recognised by the European Commission; THE CUBE, a  Low Carbon Centre of Excellence dedicated to support and assist a transition to a low carbon economy for County Laois; and the most recent addition to the initiative, CREW Digital, a new enterprise space for businesses in the creative digital enterprise sector.

While access to reliable and futureproofed broadband is just one aspect of what the hubs have to offer workers and employers in the hub’s footprint, it is recognised as a fundamental aspect. The certainty of a reliable, trusted fibre connection can be a major selling point.

Vodafone Business Managing Director, Sinéad Bryan said:-

“Since the start of the Gigabit Hubs Initiative we have welcomed the impact the hubs have had and the significant contribution they have made to local economies and the communities in which they operate. We have seen the initiative accelerate remote working and the adaption of hybrid working models meaning many more people can pursue their careers within the area they are from and can benefit from a better work life balance.

We are looking forward to welcoming more hubs and seeing the impact they have as the network expands and the initiative continues to go from strength to strength’’.

Commenting on the Initiative SIRO CEO John Keaney noted:

“When this Initiative commenced back in 2016, the idea of either full or hybrid remote working was a very novel concept. Today, with more than 25% of Irish workers working in a hybrid way it has become mainstream. High quality, fast and reliable fibre broadband is the key enabler to this behaviour shift.

“Digital hubs across Ireland are bringing hybrid working to a higher level. Focused not just on creating effective workspaces, but as enterprise centres for start-ups to grow and thrive, where companies can cross collaborate or by providing educational opportunities, they are having a huge effect on their wider communities.

“SIRO is pleased to have contributed through this Initiative, in a small but impactful way, to the dynamic hub sector in Ireland, and we look forward to working with many more hubs in the years ahead,” added Mr. Keaney.

The application process for 2024 is now open and remote and digital working hubs are encouraged to apply. Details on the process can be found at https://siro.ie/about-us/gigabit-hubs/