Tag: #broadband

NBI and GAA+ partner to reward broadband customers with streamed championship games

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, has announced an exciting new partnership with GAA+, the GAA’s live and on-demand streaming platform.

GAA+ is offering a schedule of c.40 exclusive games for the Championship 2026 season and those new customers ordering a broadband service on the NBI network before 31st March can receive an annual subscription pass valued at €95.

By combining next‑generation broadband infrastructure with modern sports broadcasting, the reward highlights how digital connectivity can bring local sporting moments to audiences right across rural Ireland and the GAA heartland.

Jarlath Burns, GAA President, expressed his excitement at the launch of this partnership: “The GAA is rooted in every community in Ireland, regardless of its urban or rural setting. Making GAA+ as accessible and enjoyable as possible remains a consistent aim and this new partnership with National Broadband Ireland clearly speaks to that ambition.”

“Our platform will once again provide a comprehensive live and exclusive broadcast schedule to supporters across web, connected TVs and apps throughout the Championship from Saturday, April 11th. Working closely with National Broadband Ireland will ensure thousands of our members can avail of enhanced connectivity in their area and look forward to coverage from Provincial Championship and All-Ireland series stages on any connected device in the comfort of their own home.”

The partnership forms part of NBI’s wider efforts to enhance end user experience and highlight the everyday benefits that high‑speed broadband can bring to households and communities.

Speaking of the announcement T.J. Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland: “We are very proud to announce our partnership with GAA+ considering that both organisations have such a strong focus on community. NBI’s rollout of high‑speed broadband infrastructure into rural areas is creating new opportunities for families, clubs and supporters to stay connected – whether that is working, learning or watching their county team compete.”

“We see our partnership with GAA+ as a great way to support broadband take-up by giving new customers that order before the end of March, access to 40 exclusive streamed games.” Mr. Malone concluded: “We also believe watching the GAA+ games over the NBI network will enhance the streaming experience.”

More than 451,000 premises across Ireland can now order fibre broadband on the NBI network, with over 165,000 already having done so.

NBI end of year update: over 450,000 homes, farms and businesses now ready to connect

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company responsible for delivering the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced its final quarterly update for the contract year ending 31 January 2026, confirming that all surveying and design work is now complete and that 82% of the entire network is built with those premises available for a connection. The remainder (18%) is under construction with the main infrastructure build scheduled to complete this year.

Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., said:

“The progress being delivered under the National Broadband Plan represents one of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects ever undertaken by the State. With the rollout now running ahead of schedule nationally, the scale of achievement is clear and demonstrates what can be delivered through sustained investment and a strong focus on delivery.

 

“Tens of thousands of kilometres of fibre have been laid, and communities right across the country are now seeing the tangible benefits of high-speed connectivity. This programme is transforming rural Ireland and reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every home, farm and business, no matter how remote, can participate fully in Ireland’s digital future.”

 

Performance update:
By contract year end (31 January 2026), NBI has delivered:

  • 100% of all surveying and design work is complete;
  • 100% of the network either built or currently under construction;
  • 451,433 premises passed, representing a 33% year-on-year increase;
  • 164,708 premises connected, representing a 43% year-on-year increase.
  • 63,064km of fibre cable laid, enough to circumnavigate the Earth 1.5 times.

There are now 451,433 homes, farms and businesses passed with NBI fibre across the National Broadband Plan Intervention Area. When a premises is passed, an order can be placed to connect to high-speed fibre broadband on the NBI network through a choice of over 50 broadband providers actively selling on the network.

 

According to the recent ComReg Quarterly Report, more than one million premises across Ireland are now subscribed to fibre-to-the-home broadband, and National Broadband Ireland is encouraging premises in the Intervention Area to check availability in their area and order today.

 

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “This year’s results demonstrate the sheer scale and momentum of the National Broadband Plan. With every part of the network now designed and either built or under construction, and over 450,000 premises ready to connect, we are firmly into the final delivery phase of this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project.

 

More than 164,000 homes, farms and businesses are already connected to high-speed fibre on the NBI network, transforming how people live, work and do business in rural Ireland. With the final phase of construction now underway, we are on track to complete the main rollout by the end of this year.”

 

NBI’s fibre broadband rollout under the National Broadband Plan is delivering broadband services to what is known as the State’s Intervention Area, which includes the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to deliver high-speed broadband. The Intervention Area now stands at 566,000 premises which signals an increase of c.29,000 since the time of contract signing.

 

People living and working in rural Ireland can enter their Eircode on the NBI website, www.nbi.ie, to check if their home or business is included in the rollout and find out how to get connected.

 

As the main rollout phase of NBI’s network nears completion, demand for connections continues to grow strongly. 164,708 premises are now connected to the NBI network, with take-up rates continuing to exceed original projections and international benchmarks, particularly in areas where the network has been live for longer.

 

NBI is now fully focused on the final stages of construction and accelerating connections across the country, ensuring every premises in the Intervention Area can avail of future-proofed, high-speed broadband.

 

All stats are correct for our contract year, ending 31 January 2026. For the latest stats on our programme delivery, please see www.nbi.ie.

Imagine freezes broadband prices until 2030

Imagine – Ireland’s independent broadband provider – has announced a price freeze until 2030 on all fibre broadband plans, guaranteeing customers that their monthly bill won’t change between now and then.

The move directly challenges the industry trend of short-term deals followed by steep increases and annual inflation-linked price hikes. Imagine provides fibre and 5G mobile broadband throughout Ireland and promises one clear price until 2030 that can save households and businesses up to €1,247 over five years compared to competitors*.

Imagine is also offering leave anytime flexibility across all broadband packages, giving stability without being tied into 12 or 24-month contracts.

Recent national research by Ipsos B&A (2025) highlights widespread frustration among broadband users in Ireland:

  • 79% are tired of constant price hikes.
  • 71% say cost is their top reason for switching.
  • 54% believe all broadband providers are the same.
  • Nearly half have been with their provider less than two years.

Niall Tallon, Chief Executive Officer, Imagine, said: “We want to reimagine what broadband can be in Ireland and give customers a real alternative that is fair, honest, and free from the usual tricks. Nobody wants to deal with annual inflationary price hikes or switching when short-term offers expire. People want price stability and simple, no-nonsense high-speed connectivity”.

“Imagine has a long history of doing things differently. We were the first to bring high-speed broadband to rural communities when others didn’t. We’re still that independent company challenging the status quo. Our five-year price freeze, straightforward customer journey, and leave-anytime flexibility aren’t available anywhere else”, added Tallon.

“Why sign a contract for one price and end up paying double within a year? It doesn’t make sense. We are rewarding loyalty and are the only broadband provider that can look you in the eye and say: your fibre broadband bill won’t change until 2030.”

Imagine’s new fibre broadband packages include plans for €55 a month for 500MB, with speeds going up to 2GB, and they are available nationwide. All packages include leave-anytime flexibility, meaning no 12-month or 24-month contracts or hidden fees.

For more information, go to imagine.ie

Ookla: Ireland H1 2025 Connectivity Report

When Ookla was founded in 2006, high-speed home internet was just becoming available in many locations, and consumers needed a reliable way to test their network speed. Speedtest®, the company’s flagship product, is the most accurate tool for measuring a network’s capabilities. Today, modern connected experiences require reliable, consistently high performance across many additional metrics beyond download speed, including low latency for gaming, high-quality video streaming, good upload speeds for teleconferencing, and fast page load times while browsing on a mobile device.

In this evolving connectivity landscape, Ookla remains fiercely committed to measuring worldwide internet performance — as well as availability, quality of service (QoS), and quality of experience (QoE) of fixed broadband and mobile networks. For over 17 years, Ookla has been perfecting the way we test connectivity services and transparently reporting on their performance. By capturing real-world metrics and delivering insights back to network operators and policymakers, Ookla serves as the bridge between consumers and the telecommunications industry.

Every day, millions of people press the “Go” button on Speedtest to better understand the performance and quality of their internet connections. This consumer-initiated testing reflects how people actually experience the internet, when and where it actually matters to them. Because Ookla has the world’s largest network of testing servers located across every country and major population center, Speedtest does not introduce any extra travel time as the data passes between the device and server — which provides the most accurate measure of real-world network speed.

In addition to consumer-initiated testing, Ookla collects billions of mobile network samples daily, which measure radio signal levels, network coverage and availability, and QoE metrics for a number of connected experiences, such as streaming video, video conferencing, gaming, web browsing, and CDN and cloud provider performance.

Data Collection Period: January – June 2025

Three led the mobile market across key performance metrics

Three was the fastest mobile provider in Ireland for all technologies combined and for 5G during 1H 2025. Across all technologies combined, Three recorded a median download speed of 70.36 Mbps, while on 5G it recorded 129.84 Mbps.

Three and Eir Fibre offered the best gaming experiences

Three offered the best 5G gaming experience in Ireland during 1H 2025, while Eir Fibre recorded the best gaming experience among ISPs.

Virgin Media the fastest fixed ISP in Ireland

Virgin Media was the fastest ISP in Ireland during 1H 2025 with a median download speed of 269.47 Mbps, and a median upload speed of 48.84 Mbps.

Limerick and Lucan were the top performing urban locations in Ireland

Among the most populous urban locations in Ireland, Limerick recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 113.71 Mbps, while Lucan outpaced the other locations to record the fastest median fixed download speed, with 281.14 Mbps.

  • Three was the fastest mobile provider in Ireland for all technologies combined and for 5G during 1H 2025. Across all technologies combined, Three recorded a median download speed of 70.36 Mbps, while on 5G it recorded 129.84 Mbps.
  • Virgin Media was the fastest ISP in Ireland during 1H 2025 with a median download speed of 269.47 Mbps, and a median upload speed of 48.84 Mbps.
  • Three offered the best 5G gaming experience in Ireland during 1H 2025, while Eir Fibre recorded the best gaming experience among ISPs.
  • Among the most populous urban locations in Ireland, Limerick recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 113.71 Mbps, while Lucan outpaced the other locations to record the fastest median fixed download speed, with 281.14 Mbps.

 

 

See the full report HERE

Why Tech Companies Are Taking Control of Their Communications

The disconnect between Ireland’s world-class tech sector and its telecommunications infrastructure has reached a critical juncture. While Dublin’s docklands host the European headquarters of Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, and Cork houses Apple’s only wholly-owned manufacturing facility in Europe, many tech companies still struggle with communication systems that fail to match their operational sophistication. Yellowcom, serving Irish businesses from their Dublin office, reports that technology companies achieving the best performance gains are those taking direct control of their communication infrastructure rather than accepting standard business packages.

The irony is palpable. Irish tech companies building cutting-edge software solutions often rely on communication systems that wouldn’t look out of place in 2010. This infrastructure lag doesn’t just affect startups in Galway co-working spaces or scale-ups in Limerick’s tech clusters—it impacts established firms across Dublin, Cork, and Belfast that assumed their business phone systems and business broadband would naturally evolve with their needs. The reality proves far different, with many discovering that generic business communications packages severely constrain their operational capabilities.

The Technical Debt of Traditional Telecoms

Ireland’s tech sector faces a unique paradox. Companies capable of building complex distributed systems, implementing sophisticated DevOps practices, and managing global cloud infrastructure often tolerate communication systems they wouldn’t accept in any other operational domain. This technical debt accumulates not through ignorance but through focus—engineering teams prioritise product development over internal infrastructure, assuming telecommunications is a solved problem.

The assumption proves costly. Traditional telecoms providers, even when offering “business-grade” services, rarely understand tech company requirements. A software company’s communication needs differ fundamentally from those of traditional businesses. API access for automation, programmatic control of call routing, integration with development workflows, and granular analytics aren’t nice-to-have features—they’re operational necessities.

Dublin’s tech companies particularly suffer from this disconnect. Despite the city’s status as European tech capital, many firms operate with communication infrastructure that creates friction at every interaction point. Engineers cannot programmatically provision phone numbers for testing. Support teams lack integration between phone systems and ticketing platforms. Sales teams juggle multiple disconnected tools because their CRM doesn’t properly integrate with voice systems.

The problem extends beyond pure software companies. Ireland’s growing ecosystem of tech-enabled businesses—from medtech firms in Galway to agritech companies in Cork—require communication systems that support their hybrid physical-digital operations. Traditional telecoms solutions force these companies into awkward workarounds that reduce efficiency and increase complexity.

Why Standard Business Packages Fail Tech Companies

The mismatch between standard business telecommunications and tech company needs stems from fundamental differences in operational philosophy. Traditional business packages assume predictable usage patterns, fixed locations, and hierarchical communication flows. Tech companies operate with variable demand, distributed teams, and network-style communication patterns that break these assumptions.

Consider authentication and security. While traditional businesses might accept username-password authentication for phone systems, tech companies require SSO integration, multi-factor authentication, and granular permission controls. Security isn’t just about preventing unauthorised access—it’s about maintaining compliance with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and customer security requirements that demand comprehensive audit trails and access controls.

API accessibility represents another crucial gap. Tech companies expect to automate everything, from user provisioning to call routing rules. Traditional business phone systems might offer basic APIs as an afterthought, but tech companies need comprehensive, well-documented APIs that enable deep integration with existing tools and workflows. The ability to programmatically control communications becomes essential for maintaining operational efficiency at scale.

Scalability requirements differ dramatically too. A traditional business might grow predictably, adding employees gradually. Tech companies can experience explosive growth, doubling or tripling headcount within months. Communication systems that require manual provisioning, hardware installation, or contract renegotiation for scaling become operational bottlenecks that constrain growth.

Data analytics expectations highlight another divide. Tech companies accustomed to comprehensive metrics from every system find traditional telecoms reporting laughably basic. They need real-time dashboards, custom metrics, data export capabilities, and integration with business intelligence tools. Communication data should flow into the same analytics platforms as other operational metrics, enabling holistic performance analysis.

The Hidden Costs of Communication Friction

The true cost of inadequate communication infrastructure extends far beyond monthly service charges. For tech companies where talent represents the primary asset and productivity drives valuation, communication friction creates compound negative effects that impact everything from recruitment to customer satisfaction.

Developer productivity suffers when engineers spend time managing communication workarounds rather than building products. A Dublin software company might lose dozens of engineering hours monthly to communication-related issues—time that could otherwise advance product development. When senior engineers earning €80,000-€120,000 annually waste time on communication problems, the opportunity cost becomes substantial.

Customer support quality deteriorates when communication systems don’t integrate properly with support infrastructure. Tech companies pride themselves on responsive, high-quality support, but disconnected phone systems create information silos that frustrate both agents and customers. The inability to automatically log calls, screen-pop customer information, or route based on technical expertise degrades service quality and increases resolution time.

Sales efficiency plummets when communication tools don’t support modern sales processes. Tech company sales cycles involve multiple stakeholders, complex demonstrations, and careful relationship management. Communication systems that don’t integrate with CRM platforms, support call recording for training, or enable sophisticated routing rules handicap sales teams competing against well-equipped competitors.

Remote collaboration challenges multiply with inadequate communications. Irish tech companies increasingly compete globally for talent, building distributed teams across multiple time zones. Communication infrastructure that only works properly from Irish offices limits talent acquisition and reduces team effectiveness. The best engineers have options—they won’t tolerate inferior tools.

Building Communications for Scale

Successful tech companies recognise communication infrastructure as critical technical architecture requiring the same attention as product infrastructure. They’re moving beyond traditional telecoms toward platforms that align with their operational philosophy and technical requirements.

Cloud-native architecture becomes non-negotiable. Tech companies already operating in AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure expect communication systems built on similar principles. This means horizontal scalability, API-first design, infrastructure as code capabilities, and seamless integration with existing cloud services. Traditional on-premise PBX systems or hybrid solutions feel anachronistic to teams accustomed to cloud-native operations.

Programmable communications enable the automation tech companies expect. Whether provisioning numbers for new employees through HR systems, updating call routing based on on-call schedules, or triggering customer notifications through communication APIs, programmability transforms communications from static infrastructure to dynamic capability.

Integration depth matters more than feature breadth. Tech companies prefer communication platforms that integrate deeply with their existing stack rather than attempting to replace it. This means native integrations with Slack or Microsoft Teams, webhooks for event processing, and SDKs for custom development. The communication system should enhance existing tools rather than creating another silo.

Geographic flexibility supports Ireland’s distributed tech workforce. With engineers in Dublin, designers in Cork, and support teams potentially anywhere, communication systems must provide location independence. This goes beyond simple remote access—it means consistent experience regardless of location, device, or network conditions.

The Irish Tech Ecosystem’s Response

Leading Irish tech companies are pioneering approaches to communication infrastructure that others can learn from. Rather than accepting telecommunications as unchangeable overhead, they’re treating it as solvable technical challenge worthy of engineering attention.

Dublin’s scale-ups are building internal platforms that abstract communication complexity from end users. Engineering teams create custom interfaces that integrate voice, video, and messaging into unified experiences tailored to specific roles. Support agents see communication options embedded in their ticketing interface. Sales teams access everything through their CRM. Engineers interact through CLI tools or Slack commands.

Cork’s tech cluster benefits from collaboration between companies facing similar challenges. Informal knowledge sharing through meetups and online communities helps smaller companies learn from larger ones’ experiences. This collective intelligence accelerates the adoption of modern communication approaches across the ecosystem.

Galway’s medtech companies, with their unique regulatory requirements, demonstrate that sophisticated communications can coexist with compliance demands. They’ve proven that cloud-based systems can meet strict quality and security requirements when properly configured and validated.

The rise of Irish communication tech companies creates additional options. Local providers understanding tech company needs offer alternatives to international platforms that might not fully grasp Irish market requirements. This competitive pressure drives innovation and improvement across the sector.

Practical Implementation Strategies

Tech companies successfully modernising their communications follow patterns that others can replicate. The key lies in approaching communications as technical project rather than procurement exercise.

Start with technical requirements gathering, not vendor comparison. Define API requirements, integration needs, security standards, and scalability parameters before evaluating solutions. This prevents being swayed by irrelevant features while missing crucial capabilities.

Assign technical ownership to engineering or technical operations teams rather than traditional IT or facilities. Communications increasingly resembles software infrastructure more than traditional telecoms. Teams managing cloud infrastructure often have better context for evaluating and implementing modern communication platforms.

Implement gradually through proof of concept deployments. Start with single team or use case, validate the approach, then expand. This reduces risk while building internal expertise. Many tech companies begin with engineering or support teams who can provide technical feedback before broader rollout.

Build abstraction layers that insulate users from underlying complexity. Whether through custom applications, browser extensions, or API integrations, create interfaces that match existing workflows rather than forcing workflow changes.

Measure everything from the start. Establish baseline metrics before migration, track throughout implementation, and continuously monitor post-deployment. Tech companies excel at data-driven decision making—apply the same rigour to communications.

The Competitive Advantage of Superior Communications

Irish tech companies with modern communication infrastructure report competitive advantages extending beyond operational efficiency. Superior communications become a differentiator in talent acquisition, customer satisfaction, and market expansion.

Recruitment benefits materialise immediately. Engineers evaluating opportunities increasingly consider tool quality alongside compensation and culture. Companies offering modern, integrated communication tools signal technical sophistication and operational maturity. The ability to support truly flexible working—not just “work from home with a laptop and mobile”—attracts talent with options.

Customer experience improvements follow naturally. When support teams have complete context, sales teams respond instantly, and technical teams collaborate seamlessly, customers notice. In competitive markets where product features converge, service quality becomes differentiator. Superior communications enable superior service.

International expansion becomes feasible when communications don’t constrain operations. Irish tech companies targeting European or global markets need presence without infrastructure. Modern communication platforms enable local numbers, regional support, and follow-the-sun coverage without physical offices.

Innovation acceleration occurs when communications become programmable platform rather than fixed infrastructure. Tech companies build custom applications on communication APIs, creating unique capabilities that competitors cannot match. This transforms communications from cost centre to innovation enabler.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Technical Destiny

The gap between Ireland’s tech sector sophistication and its communication infrastructure represents both challenge and opportunity. Tech companies accepting traditional business telecommunications handicap themselves unnecessarily. Those taking control of their communication infrastructure gain operational advantages that compound over time.

The transformation doesn’t require massive investment or disruption. Modern communication platforms designed for tech companies offer consumption-based pricing, gradual migration paths, and immediate benefits. The primary requirement is recognition that communications deserve the same technical attention as other critical infrastructure.

Irish tech companies have proven they can compete globally across every dimension—talent, innovation, execution. They shouldn’t let communication infrastructure become the limiting factor. By applying the same technical rigour to communications as they do to product development, they can eliminate this constraint and accelerate their growth.

The tools exist, the knowledge is spreading through the ecosystem, and early adopters are demonstrating the benefits. For Irish tech companies ready to treat communications as solvable technical challenge rather than immutable overhead, the opportunity to gain competitive advantage awaits. The question isn’t whether to modernise communications, but how quickly you can eliminate this unnecessary friction from your operations.

Ireland’s Favourite Online Games in 2025

It’s no secret that Ireland has a strong gaming community. 2025 has shown just how wide the country’s tastes have become. From strategy-based multiplayer hits to casual mobile titles, Irish players are spending their evenings exploring new worlds and sharpening their skills. The rise of eSports, the improvement in internet speeds, and the accessibility of affordable gaming laptops have all helped fuel this momentum. It makes gaming part of everyday conversation from Cork to Donegal.

Multiplayer Games Take the Lead

Irish players have moved well beyond single-player adventures. Online gaming is the preferred choice for many. Social features, regular updates, and in-game events pull in steady crowds. Whether it’s five-minute sessions on mobile puzzle games during a Luas ride or late-night raids in MMO universes, players are finding ways to slot gaming into their routines.

Casino games have also carved out a place as a popular genre among Irish gamers, sitting alongside puzzle titles and RPGs in many players’ libraries. For those exploring this side of gaming, recommended casino sites not on GamStop offer a wide selection of slots, card games, and live dealer experiences that appeal to players seeking a mix of entertainment and chance. It’s another layer in Ireland’s diverse gaming appetite in 2025, showing how players continue to blend different gaming experiences to suit their tastes and schedules.

Mobile Titles Continue to Dominate

On the other hand, mobile games remain Ireland’s most popular way to play. Titles like Royal Match, Clash of Clans, and EA Sports FC Mobile are consistently among the top downloads. These games offer quick sessions that don’t require heavy data use. They thrive on simplicity while still giving players the satisfaction of levelling up or competing with friends.

The social side of mobile gaming can’t be ignored either. Irish players are forming local WhatsApp groups to organise clan wars, share tips, or simply have a laugh after a close match. This sense of connection is one reason mobile games continue to outperform expectations. Even as high-spec consoles attract players with stunning visuals.

The Steady Growth of PC and Console Multiplayer

Despite the dominance of mobile gaming, PC and console titles still hold a firm place in Irish homes. Games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, and Valorant remain popular. Players are always keen to improve their skills while catching up with friends online. Esports tournaments, often streamed on platforms like Twitch, have added a competitive edge that many Irish gamers find appealing.

Titles with strong Irish player bases often feature regular updates and seasonal events that keep them fresh. Games like FIFA 25 and Rocket League continue to draw in crowds with their familiar gameplay and new challenges. Story-heavy games such as Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty expansions are being enjoyed by players who still prefer immersive single-player experiences when they get the time.

A Niche Love for Indie and Retro

Not every player in Ireland is after the newest AAA release or the latest season pass. Indie games and retro titles have carved out a steady niche. Players are exploring creative puzzle games, narrative-driven adventures, and re-releases of classics. Titles like Stardew Valley, Hades, and Dave the Diver are often discussed in Irish gaming forums. This shows there’s still a strong appetite for games that focus on storytelling and unique gameplay without heavy monetisation.

Emulators and retro handhelds have also become more visible at local gaming meetups. From Pokémon Red to Super Mario Bros., retro gaming is acting as a link between generations. They can bring families together in a way few hobbies can.

The Influence of Irish Streamers

Irish gaming influencers on Twitch and YouTube continue to play a role in shaping what games are popular locally. When an Irish streamer picks up a new game or returns to an older title, it often sparks a wave of interest among their followers. This peer-led approach to gaming recommendations has a notable impact on download trends and online discussions within the community.

These streamers also provide a sense of familiarity for Irish viewers, using local humour and references while playing. All this adds a comforting layer of relatability. It’s another reason why Irish gaming culture has developed its own identity in 2025. One that feels connected while still exploring global trends.

The Social Thread in Ireland’s Gaming Scene

One clear thread throughout Ireland’s favourite games in 2025 is their ability to bring people together. Whether it’s dropping into a quick match of Among Us with friends, joining a community Minecraft server, or competing in an online FIFA league, games have become a steady background in many Irish social circles.

As broadband access improves and gaming becomes even more accessible across devices, Ireland’s favourite online games are likely to keep changing. Yet the core reasons why people play, connection, challenge, and a chance to unwind, remain the same. Gaming will continue to hold its place in Irish culture.

 

Virgin Media announces new wholesale deal with Digiweb

Virgin Media has announced a new wholesale access deal with Digiweb. The new deal will enable Digiweb to deliver high-speed broadband services to more homes and businesses across the country, using Virgin Media’s state of the art fibre broadband network which delivers Ireland’s fastest broadband speeds.

Virgin Media recently announced a major milestone in its fibre upgrade programme, with over 550,000 fibre homes now constructed, as the company is on target to upgrade 1 million premises to fibre across Ireland by 2026.

Aidan D’Arcy, Vice President of Wholesale at Virgin Media, said: “”We are delighted to welcome Digiweb as our newest wholesale partner. This partnership gives consumers more choice and helps drive Ireland’s digital future forward.”

 Declan Campbell, Managing Director of Digiweb, said: “This partnership with Virgin Media is a fantastic opportunity for us to expand our reach and offer even more Irish homes access to top-tier broadband. Our focus has always been on delivering outstanding service, and by leveraging Virgin Media’s advanced network, we can continue to uphold our commitment to customer satisfaction, which is so important to us and reflected in our exceptional Trustpilot reviews.

Mothers are leading the way in their children’s use of technology

A new report shows how the growing OurKidsCode network of creative coding workshops and clubs for families is enabling parents in communities across Ireland to be more proactive in their children’s use of technology, with mothers comprising 72% of the parents involved.

The OurKidsCode project, based in the School of Computer Science and Statistics in Trinity College Dublin, has built an infrastructure and partnership network with county councils across Ireland, including for leveraging Ireland’s rural grid of broadband connection point community centres, and Microsoft Dream Space, as well as with the National Parents Council.

This network of relationships is successfully enabling OurKidsCode to deliver facilitator-led workshops and a ‘Start a Club’ programme that supports the establishment of parent-led creative coding clubs for families with primary-level children.

The OurKidsCode programme builds parents’ confidence and skills in technology alongside their children at informal, hands-on creative coding workshops. These take place outside of school hours in libraries, primary schools and rural broadband connection point community centres.

Creative coding is the playful use of computer programming to make art, stories, or interactive projects, combining coding, crafting and making. OurKidsCode workshops are appealing to parents who are looking for ways to increase their children’s active creation rather than passive consumption of technology.

OurKidsCode has collaborated with Microsoft Dream Space since 2022 to support young people, families and educators in rural communities through inclusive STEM opportunities. Core to this collaboration are the opportunities given to rural clubs to come together to enter The Dream Space Showcase, a national STEM event that celebrates innovation and creativity found within rural clubs, schools and communities.

OurKidsCode has established fiscal and operational partnerships with county councils across Ireland and has worked closely with an increasing number of county council broadband officers since 2021. In 2024, OurKidsCode began to expand its work with county councils to include partnerships with county libraries.

Facilitated by county councils and through its broadband officers, OurKidsCode offers workshops and provides support to clubs at broadband connection points across the country, which are publicly accessible sites in rural and remote areas that have been provided with a high-speed broadband connection.

Funded by Research Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, OurKidsCode has reached 5,240 parents and children in 111 predominantly rural locations across Ireland. The report shows females (mothers and girls) comprised 55 per cent of participants, with males (fathers and boys) making up 43 per cent, busting the gender stereotype that females are not as interested in computing as males.

OurKidsCode is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths). By partnering with DEIS schools, local development agencies and NGOs, it strives to make workshops that are accessible to all families.

Speaking at the recent launch of OurKidsCode’s Impact Report, OurKidsCode project lead and assistant professor in the School of Computer Science and Statistics at TCD, Dr. Nina Bresnihan, said: “OurKidsCode is committed to increasing opportunities for parental involvement in children’s computing education and contributing to greater diversity, inclusivity and equal access, with a particular focus on rural communities where access to such initiatives is often limited. Getting parents involved in their children’s coding education can have powerful outcomes.

Research in our new report shows how this boosts knowledge and confidence. It also sustains families engaging together in computing activities and promotes computing as a subject choice and future careers in STEAM-related fields. Furthermore, it challenges stereotypes by promoting female participation in computing based on mothers’ interest in their children’s early education. We see mothers who take part in our workshops acting as powerful role models for their daughters, demonstrating that STEAM is a viable and rewarding path.”

Parent and club leader of the OurKidsCode club Rossmore Scratchers, Co Tipperary, Rona Toft, said: “There’s something really special about learning side-by-side with your kids and other local families in a safe, welcoming space. From starting with the OurKidsCode taster programme to running the now award-winning Rossmore Scratchers, in Rossmore, Tipperary, the friendships and fun we’ve found along the way have been the absolute highlight. I watched my kids take a project from a blank screen to something they built themselves ─ figuring out the bugs, problem-solving, and seeing it through. I’ve never been prouder; it’s amazing to see their confidence grow.”

The full OurKidsCode 2021-2024 Impact Report is available to download at www.ourkidscode.ie/impact.

Find out more at www.ourkidscode.ie.

Virgin Media to Unleash Ireland’s First 5-Gigabit Fibre Broadband

Virgin Media has confirmed that it will launch 5-gigabit fibre broadband services in Q2 2025.  The company’s cutting-edge fibre infrastructure will transform broadband capabilities for homes and businesses, enabling seamless ultra-fast streaming, lag-free gaming, and instant access to cloud services, significantly enhancing daily digital experiences for customers.

Paul Higgins, Virgin Media’s Vice President of Consumer said, “Virgin Media is responding to consumer trends, increasing data consumption and what our customers have told us in terms of their broadband services.

“We know data consumption is growing 11% annually, this increase is driven by the acceleration of the connected consumer with Smart TV adoption increasing by 24% over the last four years, podcast streaming up by 38% and live streaming of sports up by 51%, all driven by the number of connected devices in our homes continuing to rise year-on-year.

“With this rapid increase of in-home consumption our homes have evolved into our offices, our cinemas, our gyms and our centres of entertainment. This launch helps all our Virgin Media customers continue to enjoy Ireland’s fastest broadband”.

The launch of Ireland’s first 5-gigabit fibre broadband service will bolster national competitiveness in an increasingly digital world. From rural enterprises to urban tech hubs, businesses across every sector—from fintech and pharmaceuticals to e-commerce and AI-driven industries—will gain a further competitive edge.

For more information, please go to www.virginmedia.ie