SIRO broadband explained
Learn how SIRO broadband works, where it’s available, which providers offer it, and how to compare the latest SIRO-powered broadband deals.
At a glance SIRO broadband in Ireland
- 100% full fibre: SIRO is a fibre-to-the-home broadband network, meaning fibre optic cables run directly to your property.
- Built by ESB and Vodafone: SIRO is a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone and uses ESB’s electricity infrastructure to deliver broadband.
- Sold through providers: You can’t buy directly from SIRO. Instead, you sign up through providers such as Vodafone, Sky, Digiweb, Pure Telecom, Virgin Media and Imagine, depending on your address.
- Fast broadband speeds: SIRO plans commonly start from 500Mb, with faster 1Gb, 2Gb and selected 5Gb plans available in some areas.
- Availability varies by Eircode: SIRO is available in many towns across Ireland, but coverage, providers and speeds depend on your exact address.
What is SIRO broadband?
SIRO is a 100% fibre-to-the-home broadband network in Ireland. It is a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone and uses ESB’s existing electricity infrastructure to deliver full fibre broadband to homes and businesses.
You can’t buy broadband directly from SIRO. Instead, SIRO-powered plans are sold through broadband providers such as Vodafone, Sky, Digiweb, Pure Telecom, Virgin Media and Imagine, depending on where you live.
This type of Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband is often referred to simply as full fibre.
How does SIRO broadband work?
SIRO uses fibre optic cables that run alongside ESB’s electricity infrastructure and connect directly to your home.
Because the connection is fibre end-to-end, SIRO broadband does not rely on old copper phone lines or street cabinets. This helps deliver faster speeds, lower latency and a more reliable connection, especially for busy households.
You’ll still need to choose a broadband provider that offers SIRO in your area. Enter your Eircode to check which SIRO-powered plans are available at your address.
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Compare SIRO broadband deals
SIRO broadband is sold through retail broadband providers, so prices, speeds, contract lengths and offers can vary.
Depending on your address, you may be able to compare SIRO-powered broadband deals from providers such as Digiweb, Imagine, Pure Telecom, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone.
When comparing SIRO broadband deals, check:
The easiest way to find the best SIRO broadband deal is to enter your Eircode and compare the plans available where you live.
Is SIRO broadband available in my area?
SIRO broadband is available in many towns across Ireland, but availability depends on your exact address.
Even if SIRO is live in your town, it may not be available at every home, apartment or estate yet. The providers, plans and speeds available can also vary by Eircode.
The easiest way to check is to use our fibre broadband comparison tool. Enter your Eircode to see which fibre broadband plans, providers and speeds are available at your address.
You can also check SIRO’s planned rollout on siro.ie, but comparing by Eircode is the best way to see current deals and providers where you live.
Who provides SIRO broadband in Ireland?
SIRO is a wholesale broadband network, which means it provides the fibre network but does not sell broadband directly to customers.
Instead, you sign up through a broadband provider that uses the SIRO network.
Popular providers offering SIRO-powered broadband include:
Other regional or business broadband providers may also use the SIRO network, depending on your location.
Each provider sets its own prices, speeds, contract terms and customer service, so it’s worth comparing deals before you switch.
How much does SIRO broadband cost?
The cost of SIRO broadband depends on your provider, speed, contract length, address and any introductory discount available when you sign up.
Here’s what you can typically expect to pay for SIRO-powered broadband:
| Speed | Typical monthly cost* | Example providers |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 500Mb | From around €30–€45 per month | Pure Telecom, Sky, Vodafone |
| Up to 1Gb | From around €40–€65 per month | Digiweb, Sky, Vodafone |
| Up to 2Gb | From around €60–€70 per month | Digiweb, Sky, Vodafone |
| Up to 5Gb | Varies by provider and availability | Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone |
*Prices are indicative and subject to change. The price you pay will depend on your Eircode, provider, contract length, speed, discounts and any installation or activation fees.
The cheapest SIRO deal may not always be the best option. Check the monthly price after any introductory discount ends, the contract length, annual price increases and whether you need broadband only or a broadband and TV bundle.
Use our broadband comparison tool to check the latest SIRO-powered deals available at your Eircode.
How fast is SIRO broadband?
SIRO broadband plans commonly start from 500Mb and can go up to 1Gb, 2Gb or faster, depending on the provider and your address.
Some providers offer speeds of up to 5Gb in selected areas, but availability varies by location and not every household will be able to get the fastest plans.
Typical SIRO speeds include:
Actual speeds can depend on your provider, router, Wi-Fi setup, device, home layout and whether you’re using a wired or wireless connection.
For the most accurate result, check the speeds available at your Eircode before choosing a plan.
What SIRO speed do I need?
The right SIRO broadband speed depends on how many people live in your home and how you use the internet.
A 500Mb plan should be more than enough for many households, especially if you mainly browse, stream, use smart devices and work from home.
A 1Gb plan may be worth considering if you have a larger household, stream in 4K, game online, upload large files or have several people online at the same time.
Faster 2Gb or 5Gb plans may suit very busy homes, but they are not always necessary. Before paying more for a higher speed, check whether your devices, router and home Wi-Fi setup can make full use of it.
Is SIRO broadband any good?
SIRO broadband is a strong option if you can get it, especially if you need a fast, reliable connection for working from home, streaming, gaming or a busy household.
Because SIRO is a full-fibre connection, the fibre optic cable runs directly to your home. This can make it faster and more stable than part-fibre broadband, which may still rely on older copper phone lines for the final part of the connection.
However, the best broadband plan for you still depends on price, speed, contract length, provider, customer service and what’s available at your Eircode.
Before choosing a SIRO plan, compare it with other fibre broadband deals in your area to make sure you’re getting the best value.
SIRO full fibre vs part-fibre broadband
SIRO is a full-fibre broadband network, also known as fibre-to-the-home or FTTH. This means fibre optic cables run directly to your property.
Part-fibre broadband, also known as fibre-to-the-cabinet or FTTC, uses fibre cables to reach a street cabinet, but may rely on older copper lines for the final connection to your home.
| Feature | SIRO full fibre | Part-fibre broadband | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Fibre runs directly to your home | Fibre runs to a cabinet, then copper may carry the signal to your home | |
| Speed | Usually faster, with gigabit speeds available | Can be slower, especially further from the cabinet | |
| Reliability | More consistent because there is no copper phone line | Can vary by line quality and distance from the cabinet | |
| Latency | Usually lower, which can help with gaming and video calls | Can be higher or less consistent | |
| Best for | Busy homes, remote workers, streamers and gamers | Everyday browsing where full fibre is not available |
SIRO is not the only full-fibre network in Ireland. Other networks, including Open Eir and National Broadband Ireland, also offer fibre-to-the-home broadband in some areas.
SIRO vs other broadband networks in Ireland
SIRO is one of several broadband networks in Ireland. The network available to you depends on your address, so it’s worth checking your Eircode before comparing plans.
The best broadband network is usually the one that gives you the right mix of speed, reliability, price and provider choice at your address.
If more than one network is available where you live, compare plans by monthly cost, speed, contract length, installation fees and price after any introductory discount ends.
SIRO
Full fibre broadband using ESB electricity infrastructure.
SIRO is sold through providers such as Digiweb, Imagine, Pure Telecom, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone.
Open Eir
eir’s wholesale fibre network, used by several broadband providers across Ireland.
It is separate from SIRO, but may also offer full fibre broadband depending on your address.
National Broadband Ireland
A full fibre network for homes and businesses covered by the National Broadband Plan.
It focuses on areas where commercial fibre rollout has been limited.
Virgin Media
A cable and fibre broadband network available in many towns and cities.
It offers very fast speeds in many urban areas, but availability depends on your location.
Is SIRO better than other broadband?
SIRO can be better than part-fibre broadband because it is a full-fibre connection directly to your home.
This can mean faster speeds, lower latency and a more reliable connection, especially if several people are online at the same time.
However, SIRO is not automatically the best choice for every home. Other full-fibre networks may offer similar speeds, and some providers may have cheaper deals, shorter contracts or better bundles in your area.
The best way to choose is to compare all broadband plans available at your Eircode, not just SIRO plans.
What if SIRO broadband isn’t available?
If SIRO is not available at your address, you may still be able to get fast broadband through another network or connection type.
Other broadband networks
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get broadband through another network, such as:
Other broadband connection types
If full fibre is not available at your address, you could also consider a different type of broadband connection, such as:
Availability varies by address, so use our broadband comparison tool to enter your Eircode and see which plans, providers and speeds are available where you live.
Enjoy superfast fibre broadband
Use our eircode checker to find your best deal and switch today
SIRO broadband FAQs
Can I get SIRO broadband without a phone line?
Yes, SIRO broadband does not need a traditional copper phone line. It uses a fibre optic cable that runs directly to your property.
Can I switch SIRO broadband providers?
Yes, you may be able to switch between SIRO broadband providers if more than one provider is available at your address. Before switching, check your contract end date, monthly price, speed, setup costs and any early exit fees.
Will I need an engineer to install SIRO broadband?
You may need an engineer visit if your home has not had SIRO broadband installed before. If the property is already connected, installation may be quicker, but this depends on the provider and your address.
Is SIRO broadband available in apartments?
SIRO may be available in apartments, but it depends on whether the building has been connected and whether your provider can offer service at your exact Eircode. Some apartment blocks may need building access or management company approval before installation.
Is SIRO the same as Vodafone broadband?
No, SIRO and Vodafone broadband are not the same. SIRO is the fibre network, while Vodafone is one of several providers that can sell broadband plans using that network.
Does eir use the SIRO network?
No, eir uses the Open Eir network, which is separate from SIRO. Both networks offer fibre broadband in Ireland, but the networks, providers and availability can differ by address.
What happens if SIRO is not available at my Eircode?
If SIRO is not available where you live, you may still be able to get full fibre through another network, such as Open Eir or National Broadband Ireland. You may also be able to get broadband through Virgin Media, part-fibre, mobile or satellite broadband.
Are SIRO broadband speeds guaranteed?
Advertised speeds are usually described as “up to” speeds, so the speed you get can depend on your provider, router, Wi-Fi setup, device and home layout. A wired connection will usually give a more reliable speed test than Wi-Fi.
