Tag: #NBP

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.

5G and the Next Generation of Mobile Apps: What It Means for Irish Consumers

5G technology has already made its mark in Ireland, transforming how consumers interact with mobile applications and digital services. Over the past few years, Ireland has progressively integrated 5G into its telecommunications infrastructure, providing users with faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability. 

This advancement is paving the way for a new generation of mobile applications that leverage real-time connectivity, immersive experiences, and enhanced interactivity.

The Evolution of 5G in Ireland

The journey of 5G in Ireland began in 2019 when major telecommunications providers such as Vodafone, Three, and Eir launched their initial networks in select cities. Over the following years, coverage expanded significantly, bringing high-speed connectivity to urban and rural areas. Today, most major towns and cities across Ireland have access to 5G, and network operators continue to invest in expanding coverage and improving performance.

Government initiatives and private investments have played a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of 5G in Ireland. The country’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) has been instrumental in ensuring that even remote areas benefit from next-generation connectivity. 

Ireland’s strategic position as a European tech hub has encouraged innovation in mobile services, with companies developing applications that leverage 5G’s capabilities to enhance user experiences. Services such as playing live roulette, online gaming, and streaming have greatly improved due to 5G’s ultra-low latency and high-speed data transfer, making these experiences as immersive and seamless as ever before.

How 5G is Transforming the Mobile Experience

With 5G, Irish consumers are witnessing a significant shift in how mobile applications function. Some of the key improvements include:

1. Faster Streaming and Enhanced Entertainment

One of the most noticeable benefits of 5G is the ability to stream high-quality content without buffering. Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ now offer seamless 4K and even 8K video streaming experiences. Additionally, cloud gaming services such as Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming are more viable in Ireland, allowing users to play high-end games on mobile devices without needing powerful hardware.

2. Real-Time Interactive Applications

Applications that rely on real-time interaction, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), are becoming more mainstream thanks to 5G. Irish consumers can now enjoy immersive experiences in gaming, shopping, and social media. For example, AR-powered navigation apps provide real-time directions, while VR-based training programs offer interactive learning opportunities.

3. Seamless Remote Work and Communication

Remote work has become a staple in Ireland, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. 5G ensures that video conferencing apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet operate smoothly, even in high-demand situations. Additionally, cloud-based collaboration tools benefit from ultra-fast uploads and downloads, making remote work more efficient and productive.

4. Smarter Cities and IoT Integration

5G is also fueling the growth of smart city initiatives across Ireland. With improved network capacity, cities can deploy IoT (Internet of Things) solutions that optimise traffic management, enhance public safety, and improve energy efficiency. For instance, Dublin has seen the implementation of smart traffic lights and connected CCTV networks that rely on 5G for real-time data processing.

Industries Benefiting the Most from 5G in Ireland

Several industries in Ireland are leveraging 5G to revolutionise their services and enhance consumer experiences. Below are some of the key sectors that stand to gain the most from 5G technology:

1. Telemedicine and Healthcare

5G is revolutionising the healthcare industry in Ireland by enabling telemedicine services that provide remote consultations, real-time patient monitoring, and even robotic-assisted surgeries. With reduced latency and improved reliability, doctors can conduct virtual appointments with high-definition video quality, ensuring accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes.

Wearable health devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers also benefit from 5G. These devices allow users to track vital signs in real time and instantly share data with healthcare professionals. This development is particularly beneficial for elderly patients and those living in rural areas with limited access to medical facilities.

2. Remote Work and Digital Collaboration

5G connectivity has further facilitated the widespread adoption of remote work in Ireland. Companies can now conduct seamless video meetings, share large files instantly, and access cloud-based applications without interruptions. This shift has increased productivity, improved work-life balance, and new job opportunities in Ireland’s growing digital economy.

Furthermore, 5G enables innovative applications like virtual reality (VR) meetings and remote training programs, making workplace interactions more engaging and effective.

3. Mobile Gaming and Esports

Gaming is another sector experiencing rapid transformation due to 5G. Mobile gamers in Ireland can now enjoy lag-free, high-performance gaming experiences, even in multiplayer settings. Cloud gaming platforms have also gained popularity, allowing users to play console-quality games directly on their smartphones.

5G has bolstered the rise of esports in Ireland, as competitive gamers require low latency and fast response times. This has increased gaming tournaments, streaming events, and a growing community of Irish gamers engaging in global competitions.

4. Retail and E-Commerce

Retailers in Ireland are using 5G to enhance online shopping experiences through AR and VR applications. Customers can now use AR to visualise products in their homes before purchasing, reducing return rates and improving satisfaction. Additionally, real-time analytics powered by 5G enable businesses to personalise shopping experiences based on consumer behaviour and preferences.

5. Transportation and Autonomous Vehicles

While fully autonomous vehicles are still in development, 5G plays a crucial role in enhancing transportation systems in Ireland. 5G powers smart traffic management, connected vehicle technology, and real-time navigation updates, making roads safer and more efficient.

Public transport systems also benefit from improved connectivity, real-time tracking and better communication between passengers and operators. As 5G continues to evolve, we can expect further advancements in transportation technology across Ireland.

Final Words

5G is not just a faster internet connection—it is a transformative force reshaping the digital landscape in Ireland. With its widespread adoption, industries such as healthcare, gaming, remote work, and retail are witnessing remarkable efficiency and user experience improvements. As Ireland continues to lead in digital innovation, consumers can look forward to a future where mobile applications are more powerful, interactive, and immersive than ever before.

Nokia announced as key supplier to Ireland’s National Broadband Plan. #NBP #NBI #Nokia #FTTH

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has selected Nokia to deploy a nation-wide FTTH network solution in the Republic of Ireland over the full programme delivery period for the Irish Government’s landmark National Broadband Plan (NBP).

As part of the agreement, Nokia successfully tendered to provide 100% of the active equipment, including an FTTH network based on next-generation PON (Passive Optical Network) technology, an aggregation network, based on its IP routing and optical networking technology and a full performance management solution.

The project is one of the most ambitious government broadband plans in the world, with the goal of providing high-speed connectivity to all of Ireland’s population, including 23% of whom currently live in the more rural Intervention Area (IA) where the NBP will be focused.

It involves more than 44,000 non-farm businesses, over 54,000 farms and 695 schools, ensuring that no one is left behind and laying the foundation for Ireland’s digital future for generations.

The major rollout has key milestone dates and NBI has hired Nokia to supply all active network equipment and integration services. As a result, NBI will be able to rely on the latest technologies, integration and end-to-end service performance to ensure its schedule goals are met.

Peter Hendrick, CEO at National Broadband Ireland, said: “We believe that better broadband networks promote social progress, equality and sustainability. With equal access to local, national and global opportunity, every person, community and organisation in Ireland will be empowered to achieve more. We look forward to working with Nokia because the company has the experience from similar projects globally, as well as the technological capabilities and end-to-end portfolio, for a project like this.”

Cormac Whelan, CEO UK and Ireland at Nokia, said: “It is imperative for today’s digital societies to provide high-speed connectivity everywhere – not just in cities and urban areas – to enable new digital services, digitalization of industries and innovation for economy and society to the benefit of the whole country. This project is key for the further digitalization of Ireland.”

Additional information worth noting…

  • Nokia holds #1 position in next-generation PON (XGS-PON) worldwide (Dell’Oro 1Q2020)
  • Nokia has 26 XGS-PON and 300 GPON deployments worldwide
  • Nokia has 250+ cloud-ready customer deployments with its fiber access platforms, a unique solution with greater choice, flexibility and control to deploy SDN
  • Nokia products included in the projects: Nokia FX OLT, Nokia XGS-PON ONTs, management system and enhanced applications; 7750 Service Router, providing IP edge networking for the cloud era; and 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) to support next-generation DWDM multiservice, multilayer P-OTN transport
  • Nokia will deliver following services: Design, Testing, Integration, I&C, Project Management & CARE