Mobile broadband deals in Ireland

What is mobile broadband?

Mobile broadband in Ireland provides fast, flexible internet using 4G or 5G mobile networks.

You don’t need a landline or a fibre connection. A small, portable device receives the mobile signal and shares it as WiFi, letting you connect multiple devices at home, at work, or while travelling.

It’s an ideal solution if you want fast, flexible internet when fibre broadband isn’t available.

How does mobile broadband work in Ireland?

Mobile broadband in Ireland connects you to the internet using 4G or 5G mobile networks without the need for fibre or satellite.

There are several ways to connect to a mobile network, but most providers offer a modem if you sign up for a contract.

Here are your three main options:

• USB Dongle: Plugs into the USB port of your desktop or laptop
• 4G or 5G data SIM card: Insert into your laptop or tablet for internet access on the go
• Mobile WiFi modem: A small, portable router that creates a WiFi hotspot, letting you connect multiple devices simultaneously over 4G or 5G.

The type of connection you choose will depend on how many devices you need to connect, and whether you plan to use it mostly at home or on the move.

What are mobile broadband speeds like?

The speed you get depends on your broadband provider’s coverage of the 4G or 5G network and the strength of your signal.

Mobile broadband runs on the same kind of connection as your mobile phone, so if coverage is poor in your location, mobile broadband from the same provider could be slow or patchy.

Here’s the latest median speeds in Ireland:

Based on Ookla Speedtest reports. This is subject to change and depends on locality.

Who offers mobile broadband in Ireland?

Three, eir, and Vodafone offer 4G and 5G mobile broadband, with coverage across most cities and larger towns.

Over the past few years, 5G networks have expanded rapidly, offering faster and more reliable internet. However, rural and remote areas may still have limited 5G coverage, so check network performance in your location before choosing a plan.

• eir offers 4G, 5G, and MiFi plans for home or on the go, with 6 month and 12 month contract options.
• Three provides unlimited 5G broadband plans on 6, 12 or 24 month contracts, with discounts for existing mobile customers.
• Vodafone offers 4G and 5G unlimited broadband plans on 12 and 24 month contracts.

Mobile broadband deals

*Average 5G download speeds based on Opensignal Ireland Mobile Network Experience Report (March 2025). Average and advertised speeds are not guaranteed and depend on things such as, signal strength, device capability, and network congestion.

What’s the difference between 4G and 5G broadband?

5G works in the same way as 4G mobile broadband but offers much faster speeds, lower latency, and a more reliable connection.

On the whole, 5G provides a better mobile broadband experience than 4G.

Like 4G, 5G uses mobile networks to deliver Wi-Fi to your home or on the go, but it employs newer technology and greater bandwidth to handle more devices at once.

The quick speeds and low latency of 5G broadband will mean that many apps and games can achieve real-time connectivity with a rock-solid performance.

Key benefits of 5G over 4G include:

• Much faster speeds: Stream HD and 4K content without buffering.
• Lower latency: Less lag for online gaming, video calls and cloud apps.
• Better reliability: Handles multiple connected devices more smoothly.
• Future-ready: Designed for immersive tech like VR and IoT devices.

You’re likely to get a better experience with 5G if you’re:

• Streaming or downloading HD movies, TV and music
• Online and multiplayer gaming
• Virtual reality or immersive gaming
• Video conferencing & homeworking

How fast is 5G broadband in Ireland?

In theory, 5G can be up to 100 times faster than 4G, but real-world monitoring has found 5G to be about 10 times faster.

This means Ireland can average 5G speeds between 500Mbps and 1Gbps.

This makes 5G mobile broadband comparable to some of the fastest fibre broadband plans in Ireland - a good solution if you can’t get fixed broadband at your address.

Is 5G faster than fibre-optic broadband?

Although 5G technology can theoretically reach speeds of 10Gbps, real-world results are much lower. For example:

• Fastest recorded 5G speeds globally: 750 Mbps median (UAE)
• Typical 5G speeds in Ireland: 100 – 600 Mbps
• Full-fibre broadband in Ireland: up to 2Gbps (and often more consistent)

If you’re choosing between full fibre and mobile broadband, fixed-line, full fibre is still generally faster, more widely available and offers more consistent speeds. But 5G can be a powerful alternative where fibre isn’t available.

Which provider has the fastest mobile broadband plan?

Independent testing (Ookla, 2023–2025) consistently names Three as Ireland’s fastest 5G network overall, but your actual speeds will depend on things like location and coverage, hardware capability and how many apps you might have running.

All three major providers - Three, eir and Vodafone - offer speedy 5G mobile broadband plans, and coverage is expanding across towns, cities and rural areas.

Is 5G mobile broadband worth the extra cost?

5G mobile broadband is great alternative if you can’t get fibre or part fibre broadband.

It offers much faster speeds, lower latency and more reliable connections than 4G, making it ideal for streaming, online gaming, and working from home.

Although 4G networks already cover most towns and cities, performance can dip during peak times or in crowded areas. 5G’s higher bandwidth helps solve these congestion problems, delivering faster, more consistent speeds where coverage is strong.

If you live in an area with good 5G coverage, it’s worth considering as a wireless alternative to fixed broadband. But bear in mind that if you have a 5G modem but no 5G in your area, you’ll only get 4G data speeds.

When 5G mobile broadband makes sense

• You can’t get fibre or part-fibre broadband at your address.
• You don’t want the hassle or installation costs of satellite broadband.
• You work remotely or stream/online game frequently.
• You want an easy-install option without a landline or satellite dish.

All the major mobile networks are rolling out high-speed 5G networks across Ireland, and it could one day be the dominant wireless broadband choice, just as 4G is widely used today.

How much does mobile broadband cost?

Mobile broadband costs are similar to fixed broadband costs.

Some broadband providers advertise reduced introductory rates, so check how long any discounts last and what the price will be thereafter. Also, check whether there are upfront costs like equipment or installation fees.

If you don’t choose an unlimited plan, make sure the data allowance is enough for your needs because you could be charged for exceeding the data limit.

What is the cheapest mobile broadband in Ireland?

Use our broadband eircode availability checker to compare mobile broadband deals available in your area.

The best broadband deal is not necessarily the cheapest, so consider the type of bundle and features you need before switching. Remember that 5G availability will depend on your location.