Your complete guide to broadband in Ireland

What is a broadband network?

A broadband network is the infrastructure - copper, fibre-optic, or coaxial cables - that supports your broadband connection. Access to each network can depend on where you live.

Open eir, SIRO or Virgin Media’s network are some of Ireland’s main broadband networks.

Broadband providers in Ireland

Broadband providers use the networks to sell services; usually internet and TV packages, as well as mobile deals and home phone lines. Some of the main residential providers are:

• Digiweb
• Eir
• Imagine
• Magnet Plus
• Pure Telecom
• Regional Broadband
• Sky
• Virgin Media
• Vodafone

Most broadband services come into your home via fixed lines such as phone lines, cable or fibre-optic networks. Others are wireless, and come via mobile data, radio signals or data from a satellite dish.

Access to certain broadband connections, like full fibre, depend on where you live and what networks are in your area.

Fibre and part fibre broadband

Fibre broadband uses a network of fibre-optic cables rather than the older copper ones. Fibre-optic material is better at transferring data, so the internet connection is faster and more reliable.

It is the fastest type of broadband, and is best for streaming TV, online gaming and watching HD films.

There are two ways to connect fibre broadband:

1. Fibre to the Home (FTTH): delivers fibre the whole way to the home and offers speeds of up to 5Gbps in some parts of Ireland.
2. Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC): delivers fibre to the nearest cabinet on the street, and from there, older copper cables deliver the connection to your home. It’s also known as part fibre.

Although part fibre broadband needs a phone cable, many providers will offer packages without charging for a call plan.

How do you know if you have fibre broadband?

Most broadband plans should be listed on your online account or bill.

If not, you can also use a speed test to gauge. Although this is much less accurate, it might give you an idea, as higher speeds usually mean full-fibre broadband.

• Speeds of up to 100 Mbps are typically DSL, cable or fixed wireless.
• A speed result of 200-2,000 Mbps means you have either cable or full-fibre internet service.

How fast is fibre broadband?

Although full fibre broadband is sometimes more expensive than other types of broadband, its reliable, high speed connection means you can complete tasks like downloading and uploading files much faster, and enjoy consistent, lag-free HD streaming and gaming. You also don’t need a landline.

Actual speeds compared to advertised speeds depend on several factors including:

• type of connection
• your devices
• the router and placement

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband connects you to the internet using a mobile phone network, either 4G or 5G. You can connect via:

• Mobile dongle: This plugs into the USB port on your computer.
• Data only SIM card: Insert into a portable tablet for use on the go.
• WiFi hub: This is portable and acts as a WiFi hotspot for your devices.

It can be a good option for those who want the flexibility of internet on the go, or those who don’t have access to other forms of broadband. The speed you get depends on your provider’s coverage of the 4G or 5G network and the strength of your signal.

Broadband connections compared

Each broadband provider may offer a different type of broadband connection. The main ones are listed below.

Broadband	Connection	Speeds up to*	Provider e.g.	Details
ADSL	Copper cables	24Mbps	Digiweb, eir, Pure Telecom, Sky & Vodafone	Widely available, slower speeds
Full Fibre (FTTH)	Fibre-optic	5,000Mbps (5Gb)	Digiweb, eir, Sky, Virgin Media & Vodfone	Most providers offer up to 2Gb, while eir & Virgin Media offer 5Gb
Part Fibre (FTTC)	Fibre-optic and copper	100Mbps	eir, Sky, Virgin Media & Vodfone	Wider availability than full fibre
Cable	Coaxial	1,000Mbps (1Gb)	Virgin Media	faster speeds than copper, but not as efficient as fibre-optic cable
Satellite	Data from satellite	100Mbps	Rural Wifi, Starlink	Option for rural internet users
Mobile	4G or 5G	25Mbps (4G) 1Gb (5G)	eir, Imagine, Three, & Vodafone	Option for those on the go, or if you live rurally
Fixed wireless	radio signals from mast	100Mbps	Echo Broadband, and Wireless Connect	No landline needed, good for certain rural spots

*Speeds listed are possible maximum speeds. Speeds offered and experienced will depend on the service providers, user traffic, distance to the cabinet or phone mast, and the coverage in your area.

Can you get broadband without a landline?

Part fibre and ADSL broadband require a phone line, but many broadband providers offer packages that use a phone cable but don’t charge you for a call plan.

There are alternatives if you can’t have a phone line, such as:

• Mobile broadband
• Full fibre (FTTH) broadband
• Satellite broadband
• Cable broadband

There are plenty of broadband deals and providers to choose from, all with different connection types, speeds, bundles and add-ons. Here’s how to pick the right one.

Comparing broadband deals

Before switching to a new broadband provider, there’s a few things to consider:

• Availability: check to see what broadband providers operate in your area first, using the broadband eircode checker.
• Budget: weigh up the monthly cost with the level of internet speed and TV content you’ll actually use, then budget it into your outgoings.
• Speed: different networks provide different connection types with varying levels of speed. Consider the speed you need, based on things like how you use the internet and how many people are in your house.
• Bundles: if you want broadband and TV you can save by bundling all three together. It means just one monthly bill too.
• Offers: focus on lead in prices, discounts and set up costs, before looking at any extras, like free devices or credit off your bill.
• Data limits: the trend is toward unlimited data plans, but if your plan has a data limit, check the fair use policy and any fees for exceeding data limits.
• Contract length: most plans last 12 months. Consider possible increases after any initial introductory offers.

There are plenty of broadband providers to choose from, who compete to offer the cheapest deals, fastest speeds or free add-ons like Amazon Prime or Sports Passes.

Broadband and TV deals

Broadband providers offer different types of broadband packages. TV and Broadband is the most popular, while broadband only is the cheapest.

What is a good internet speed?

Broadband speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The major Irish providers now offer speeds of up to 2Gbps in areas with full fibre or ‘Fibre-to-the-Home’ connections. Virgin Media now offer speeds up to 5Gbps on their cable network, but broadband speeds over 100Mbps are rarely necessary for most households.

There are two speed types:

• Download speed: how quickly you can download things like movies, images and music.
• Upload speed: how quickly you can send emails and upload pictures to social media or google drive.

The speed you need depends on your internet usage, as well as how many people live with you.

Activity	Speed required
Gaming online	At least 10Mbps
Downloading movies quickly	Around 50Mbps
Streaming movies in UHD	At least 25Mbps
Checking/sending emails	1-5Mbps
Using social media	1-5Mbps
Watching Netflix in HD	At least 5Mbps
Making a Skype video call	Around 1.5Mbps
Streaming music	Around 2Mbps

Broadband providers usually reserve their best deals for new customers. Introductory discounts can last between 12-24 months but once they’re over, you’ll have to pay the standard price.

Switching your broadband every year could mean lower monthly costs, better connection speeds and data limits, as well as better customer service.

Before you switch

Here are some things to consider before you start the switching process:

• Availability: Check what broadband is available where you live
• Current provider: If you’re happy with your current provider, contact them to negotiate. They might try to entice you to stay with another discount.
• Cancellation notice: Check with your current provider that there’s no cancellation fees, and you’re free to switch
• Your needs: Know exactly what you’re looking for. This will help you to switch to the right provider with the right plan. Research things like broadband speed, connection type and TV packages.