Sligo Businesses Still Using Outdated Broadband Risk Being Held Back, New Research Finds

Sligo businesses who are still reliance on outdated and slower copper broadband are at risk of reduced productivity, increased employee frustration and dissatisfied customers, according to newly published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.