Ireland’s Digital Leap: How Next-Gen Broadband is Reshaping Communities and Commerce

• Ireland’s Evolving Internet Landscape
• Emerging Technologies Powering Broadband Expansion
• Key Players and Shifting Market Dynamics
• Projected Growth and Adoption Patterns
• Urban-Rural Divide and Regional Connectivity Insights
• What’s Next for Ireland’s Digital Infrastructure
• Barriers to Progress and New Avenues for Innovation
• Sources & References

“Ireland has undergone a dramatic transformation in internet connectivity, achieving near-universal internet usage and high speeds by 2025.” (source)

Ireland’s Evolving Internet Landscape

Ireland’s internet landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, shifting from a patchwork of rural blackspots to a nation on the cusp of universal high-speed connectivity. Historically, rural communities in Ireland faced significant digital exclusion, with many areas lacking access to reliable broadband. This digital divide hindered economic development, education, and social inclusion. However, a series of ambitious government initiatives and private sector investments are rapidly changing the narrative.

The cornerstone of this transformation is the National Broadband Plan (NBP), launched in 2019. The NBP aims to deliver high-speed broadband to every home, farm, and business in the country, particularly targeting the 23% of premises previously left behind by commercial operators. As of early 2024, over 200,000 premises have been connected under the NBP, with the project on track to reach 560,000 by 2025 (RTÉ News).

Urban areas have also seen significant upgrades, with providers like Vodafone and Eir rolling out gigabit fibre services. According to ComReg’s Q4 2023 report, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) subscriptions grew by 38% year-on-year, now accounting for over 40% of all fixed broadband connections. Average fixed broadband speeds have soared, with Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index ranking Ireland 25th worldwide for fixed broadband, with median download speeds exceeding 120 Mbps as of March 2024.

• Rural connectivity: The NBP’s rollout is closing the urban-rural gap, with remote areas like Donegal and Kerry now accessing speeds previously reserved for cities.
• 5G expansion: Mobile operators including Three and Vodafone have expanded 5G coverage to over 70% of the population, further enhancing mobile internet access.
• Digital economy boost: Improved connectivity is fueling Ireland’s digital economy, supporting remote work, e-learning, and the growth of tech startups.

By 2025, Ireland is poised to achieve near-universal access to blazing-fast broadband, marking a pivotal milestone in its digital revolution and setting a benchmark for rural connectivity across Europe.

Emerging Technologies Powering Broadband Expansion

Ireland is undergoing a dramatic transformation in its digital landscape, driven by a surge in emerging technologies aimed at eradicating rural broadband blackspots and delivering high-speed internet nationwide. The cornerstone of this revolution is the National Broadband Plan (NBP), a €2.7 billion government initiative launched in 2019 to connect over 560,000 premises in underserved areas. As of early 2024, more than 200,000 homes and businesses have been passed by the NBP network, with the rollout accelerating towards its 2025 completion target (RTÉ).

Key technologies powering this expansion include:

• Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH): The backbone of Ireland’s broadband revolution, FTTH delivers gigabit speeds directly to premises. Providers like Openreach and National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are deploying fibre across rural and urban areas, with NBI aiming to connect 1.1 million people by 2025.
• 5G Wireless: Mobile operators such as eir, Vodafone, and Three are rapidly expanding 5G coverage, offering high-speed wireless broadband as an alternative in hard-to-reach locations. As of 2024, 5G is available in over 70% of the country (ComReg).
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites: Services like Starlink are providing high-speed satellite internet to remote Irish communities, with speeds exceeding 100 Mbps and latency suitable for video calls and streaming (Silicon Republic).

This technological convergence is narrowing the digital divide, enabling rural businesses to compete globally, supporting remote work, and enhancing access to digital services. According to the Central Statistics Office, household broadband access reached 96% in 2023, up from 92% in 2021, with rural connectivity seeing the most significant gains.

By 2025, Ireland is poised to become one of Europe’s most digitally connected nations, with blazing broadband speeds available from the most remote farms to bustling city centres, powered by a blend of fibre, 5G, and satellite innovation.

Key Players and Shifting Market Dynamics

Ireland’s internet landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, driven by ambitious government initiatives, private sector investment, and evolving consumer demands. Historically, rural Ireland lagged behind urban centers, with “blackspots” where broadband was slow or unavailable. However, the rollout of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) is rapidly closing this digital divide, promising high-speed connectivity to over 560,000 premises by 2025.

• National Broadband Ireland (NBI): As the primary contractor for the NBP, NBI is deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network across rural Ireland. By early 2024, over 200,000 premises had access to gigabit broadband, with the pace of connections accelerating (NBI).
• Eir: Ireland’s largest telecom operator continues to expand its own fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network, targeting 1.9 million premises by 2026. Eir’s investment complements the NBP, particularly in suburban and regional towns (Eir).
• SIRO: A joint venture between ESB and Vodafone, SIRO leverages the national electricity infrastructure to deliver gigabit speeds to over 700,000 homes and businesses, focusing on regional hubs and smaller towns (SIRO).
• Virgin Media: With a strong urban presence, Virgin Media is upgrading its cable network to DOCSIS 3.1, enabling multi-gigabit speeds for over 1 million premises (Virgin Media).
• Emerging Wireless and Satellite Providers: Starlink and regional wireless ISPs are filling gaps in the most remote areas, offering alternatives where fiber is not yet viable (Starlink).

This competitive landscape is driving down prices and improving service quality. According to ComReg, average fixed broadband speeds in Ireland surpassed 150 Mbps in late 2023, with over 80% of households now able to access high-speed connections. As 2025 approaches, Ireland is poised to shed its rural broadband blackspots, emerging as a European leader in digital connectivity.

Projected Growth and Adoption Patterns

Ireland’s digital landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with the government and private sector investing heavily to bridge the urban-rural connectivity gap. The National Broadband Plan (NBP), a cornerstone of this revolution, aims to deliver high-speed broadband to every home and business by 2026, with significant milestones expected by 2025. As of early 2024, over 200,000 premises in rural areas have been passed by the NBP, with the target of reaching 560,000 premises nationwide (Government of Ireland).

According to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), fixed broadband subscriptions in Ireland reached 1.59 million by Q4 2023, a 4.2% year-on-year increase. Notably, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections surged by 38.6% in the same period, reflecting the rapid adoption of next-generation networks. By 2025, it is projected that over 80% of Irish households will have access to gigabit broadband, up from just 30% in 2020 (Eurofound).

Rural areas, once plagued by connectivity blackspots, are experiencing the most significant change. The NBP’s rollout, combined with private investments from providers like Eir and SIRO, is expected to reduce the digital divide dramatically. By 2025, rural broadband speeds are forecasted to match or even exceed those in urban centres, enabling remote work, digital education, and e-health services (SIRO).

Adoption patterns indicate a shift in digital behaviour. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work and online service usage, trends that are expected to persist. A 2023 survey found that 42% of Irish employees worked remotely at least part-time, a figure likely to rise as connectivity improves (CSO). This, in turn, is driving demand for reliable, high-speed internet across the country.

• By 2025, Ireland is on track to achieve near-universal high-speed broadband coverage.
• Rural adoption rates are expected to converge with urban areas, closing the digital divide.
• Enhanced connectivity will support economic growth, innovation, and social inclusion nationwide.

Urban-Rural Divide and Regional Connectivity Insights

Ireland’s digital landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with the government’s ambitious National Broadband Plan (NBP) at the heart of efforts to bridge the urban-rural divide. Historically, rural communities in Ireland have faced significant connectivity challenges, with “blackspots” where high-speed internet was either unreliable or entirely unavailable. This digital gap has impacted everything from education and healthcare to business development and social inclusion.

As of early 2024, the NBP—one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country’s history—has made substantial progress. The plan aims to deliver high-speed broadband (minimum 500 Mbps) to over 560,000 premises in rural and remote areas, representing about 23% of all Irish homes and businesses. According to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, more than 200,000 premises had been passed by the end of 2023, with the rollout accelerating through 2024 and into 2025.

Urban areas, particularly Dublin, Cork, and Galway, already enjoy widespread access to gigabit broadband, with providers like Vodafone and Eir offering speeds up to 2 Gbps. However, the real revolution is unfolding in rural Ireland, where fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) is replacing outdated copper and wireless solutions. The NBP’s deployment is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2025, with the majority of rural homes and businesses gaining access to world-class connectivity.

• Economic Impact: Enhanced broadband is projected to add €2.7 billion to Ireland’s GDP by 2026, supporting remote work, digital entrepreneurship, and rural regeneration (Ibec).
• Regional Connectivity: The NBP is complemented by initiatives like the National Digital Strategy, which promotes digital skills and smart community hubs in rural towns.
• Future Outlook: By 2025, Ireland is set to achieve near-universal high-speed broadband coverage, positioning it among Europe’s digital leaders and narrowing the urban-rural digital divide.

This internet revolution is not just about faster speeds; it is about unlocking the potential of rural Ireland, ensuring equitable access to digital opportunities, and fostering balanced regional development for the future.

What’s Next for Ireland’s Digital Infrastructure

Ireland is on the cusp of a transformative leap in digital infrastructure, aiming to bridge the gap between urban centers and rural communities. The government’s flagship initiative, the National Broadband Plan (NBP), is at the heart of this revolution, targeting universal access to high-speed broadband by 2025. This €2.7 billion project, launched in 2019, is the largest telecommunications investment in rural Ireland’s history and is set to connect over 560,000 premises that were previously underserved or entirely unconnected.

As of early 2024, the NBP has passed more than 200,000 premises with fibre connections, with the pace of rollout accelerating (RTÉ). The plan’s goal is to deliver minimum speeds of 500 Mbps, a significant upgrade from the patchy and slow connections that have long plagued rural areas. This is expected to have a profound impact on economic development, remote work, education, and healthcare delivery across the country.

• Urban-Rural Divide Shrinking: With fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology, rural communities will soon enjoy connectivity on par with Dublin and other major cities. This levels the playing field for businesses and residents alike.
• Private Sector Investment: Major telecoms like Openreach and Vodafone are also expanding their fibre networks, complementing the NBP and driving competition, which is expected to lower prices and improve service quality.
• 5G Expansion: Ireland’s mobile operators are rapidly rolling out 5G, with coverage now reaching over 70% of the population (ComReg Q4 2023). This will further enhance connectivity, especially in areas where fibre deployment is challenging.

Looking ahead to 2025, Ireland is poised to become one of Europe’s most digitally connected nations. The convergence of public and private investment, coupled with regulatory support, is set to eradicate rural blackspots and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. As the NBP nears completion, Ireland’s digital infrastructure will underpin a new era of economic resilience and social inclusion.

Barriers to Progress and New Avenues for Innovation

Ireland’s journey toward comprehensive high-speed internet access has been marked by significant challenges, particularly in rural regions. Historically, the country’s digital infrastructure lagged behind its European counterparts, with rural “blackspots”—areas lacking reliable broadband—impeding economic growth, education, and social inclusion. As of 2020, only 69% of Irish households in rural areas had access to high-speed broadband, compared to 96% in urban centers (CSO).

Several barriers have contributed to this digital divide:

• Geographical Challenges: Ireland’s dispersed population and rugged terrain make infrastructure deployment costly and logistically complex.
• Investment Gaps: Private sector providers have historically focused on urban markets, where returns are higher, leaving rural areas underserved.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Lengthy planning processes and coordination with multiple stakeholders have slowed network rollouts.

However, the landscape is rapidly changing. The National Broadband Plan (NBP), launched in 2019, represents a €2.7 billion commitment to deliver high-speed broadband to every home and business in Ireland by 2026, with significant milestones set for 2025. As of early 2024, over 200,000 premises in rural areas have been connected, with the pace of deployment accelerating (RTÉ).

Innovation is also driving progress:

• Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH): The NBP’s focus on FTTH technology ensures future-proofed, gigabit-capable connections, positioning Ireland among Europe’s broadband leaders.
• 5G and Fixed Wireless Access: Telecom operators are expanding 5G coverage and leveraging fixed wireless solutions to reach remote communities more quickly (ComReg).
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government, local authorities, and private firms is streamlining deployment and fostering innovation in service delivery.

By 2025, Ireland is poised to transform its digital landscape, closing the rural-urban divide and unlocking new opportunities for economic development, remote work, and digital inclusion. The nation’s internet revolution, once hampered by formidable barriers, is now propelled by ambitious policy, technological innovation, and collaborative investment.

Sources & References

• Ireland’s Internet Revolution: From Rural Blackspots to Blazing Broadband in 2025
• Vodafone
• Eir
• ComReg
• Speedtest Global Index
• Three
• National Broadband Ireland (NBI)
• Starlink
• Silicon Republic
• CSO
• NBI
• SIRO
• Virgin Media
• Eurofound
• SIRO
• Ibec