Irish communications provider eir has announced that its next generation gigabit-capable fibre network is now available in 28 towns across the country, claiming that more than 50,000 premises are already passed by the infrastructure. In a press release regarding the development, eir said the work represented ‘the first part’ of a EUR500 million (USD551 million) investment programme, while adding that it expects the fibre rollout to ‘ramp up considerably in the coming months’. To that end, the operator is targeting a further 20 towns with fibre by April, while ultimately its project will see the technology cover some 1.4 million homes and businesses – equivalent to around 84% of the country total.
Meanwhile, eir also took the opportunity to reveal that its 5G mobile network is now available in a total of 20 towns and cities nationwide, covering ‘more than 25% of the population … out of doors’. In terms of future expectations for 5G coverage enhancements, the operator plans to continue investing heavily this year with a view to reaching ‘every major town’ in the Republic. Further, it said the upgrade and expansion of its 4G coverage is continuing apace, with it reportedly having updated more than 500 sites to bring LTE-based connectivity to more than 98% of the population. Once the upgrade programme is complete, eir expects to achieve 99% 4G geographical coverage, up from a present figure of 92%.
In terms of specifics, eir’s fibre network is now confirmed as being available in the following locations: Balbriggan, Balgriffin, Ballybunion, Barna, Boyle, Cahir, Carndonagh, Carrick-on-Shannon, Castletroy, Claremorris, Clonakilty, Collooney, Coolock, Dunshaughlin, Galway, Kilcock, Kilkenny, Kilrush, Letterkenny, Midleton, Moat, Nenagh, Portlaoise, Rathkeale, Ratoath, Rochestown, Santry and Tallaght.
5G coverage locations, meanwhile, blanket: Athlone, Bray, Carlow, Castlebar, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Dundalk, Ennis, Galway, Kilkenny, Killarney, Letterkenny, Limerick, Naas, Sligo, Tralee, Trim, Waterford and Wexford.