Wireless broadband choices in Ireland
If you live in a rural location internet access can be patchy. Here’s some broadband solutions to consider if you don’t have a phone line or fibre where you live.
How does wireless broadband work?
Most homes in Ireland get broadband through fibre-optic cables or phone lines, but there are other ways to connect without a physical line. This is where wireless broadband comes in.
Wireless broadband delivers internet using mobile networks, satellites, or radio signals instead of cables. It’s ideal for areas where fibre or standard broadband hasn’t rolled out yet, especially in rural locations.
Types of wireless connections
Here are the main options for getting broadband without a landline:
- Mobile broadband
- Satellite broadband
- Fixed wireless broadband
Wireless broadband options in Ireland
If you’re in a rural area and far from an exchange or cabinet, and fibre or SIRO broadband hasn’t rolled out near you, your internet access is probably patchy or limited.
While most broadband services are delivered to our homes and businesses via cables or existing phone lines, there are some broadband connection types in Ireland that do not need a wire.
Wireless broadband offers broadband without a landline, or fibre-optic cables.
Here are the types of wireless connections, as well as how they differ from wired broadband:
Wired broadband
Wireless broadband
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband lets you connect to the internet using a 4G or 5G mobile network, similar to how your smartphone works. It’s a flexible option if you live in a rural area or need internet on the go.
How you can connect:
- Mobile dongle: Plugs into a USB port on your computer.
- Data-only SIM card: Insert into a tablet, laptop, or portable device.
- Portable WiFi hub: Acts as a mobile hotspot for multiple devices.
For full comparisons of current plans, data allowances and prices, see our mobile broadband comparison page.
Mobile broadband speeds
Speeds vary depending on network coverage and signal strength in your area. Based on recent Ookla Speedtest data:
| Network | Median download speed | Average Upload speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G broadband | 59Mbps | 10Mbps | |
| 5G broadband | 168Mbps | 50Mbps |
Based on Ookla Speedtest reports. Speeds are subject to change and depend on locality.
In summary:
- 4G broadband is slower than fibre but suitable for browsing, streaming, and light work.
- 5G broadband can approach fibre speeds in areas with strong coverage.
- Performance depends heavily on location - poor coverage can reduce speeds significantly.
Is mobile broadband right for you?
Before you decide, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons to decide whether it’s suitable for you.
Here are some of the main pros and cons of using mobile broadband:
Pros
Cons
Are there any extra costs?
The only extra set-up costs for mobile broadband could be the price of the WiFi dongle, data SIM or wifi hub, but they’re often provided free as part of your monthly plan. Contracts are typically 12 months or 30 day rolling.
For a detailed comparison of providers, deals, and data allowances, check out our mobile broadband comparison page.
Satellite broadband
Satellite broadband delivers internet using a satellite dish on or near your home, similar to how satellite TV works.
It’s a good solution for rural or remote areas where standard fibre, copper, or mobile broadband isn’t available.
How fast is satellite broadband?
Speeds have improved significantly in recent years, with Starlink leading the way in terms of speed and reliability.
Speed depends on location, weather, and line-of-sight to the satellite.
| Satellite type | Typical download speed | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard satellite plans | 22–75 Mbps | Slower than fibre, but faster than most copper broadband. | |
| Starlink (SpaceX) | Up to 220 Mbps | Most users experience 100+ Mbps; low-latency for gaming/streaming in rural areas. |
Installation and costs
Some providers offer free installation, whereas others may charge up to €50. There is normally an activation or set up cost and a 12-month minimum contract.
Starlink equipment is designed for self-install, however, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, some Irish installers charge between €200-€400 for a standard installation.
Is satellite broadband any good?
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of using satellite broadband:
Pros
Cons
While satellite broadband still can’t match the top speeds or unlimited data of full-fibre services, today’s plans - especially from providers like Starlink - are far faster and more reliable than older satellite connections.
For many rural homes, satellite broadband is now the quickest and most practical way to get online.
If you’d like to find out more about which providers offer satellite broadband and how to find the best plan, read our full guide, How does satellite broadband work in Ireland?
Fixed wireless broadband
Fixed wireless broadband delivers internet using radio signals from a nearby mast, rather than cables or phone lines.
It’s ideal for rural or remote areas where fibre or copper broadband isn’t available.
How fixed wireless broadband works
Also known as ‘Line of Sight’ broadband, this type of connection requires a clear line of sight between your property and the provider’s mast.
With fixed wireless broadband:
Typical wireless broadband speeds
You can get broadband speeds between 10Mbps and 1Gb, though actual speeds depend heavily on signal strength, equipment quality, and provider network.
- If you’re in a strong coverage zone, you are more likely to experience the higher end of advertised speeds; e.g. 700Mbps - 1GB.
- If you’re in a rural area with fringe cover, you might get more mid-range to lower speeds, e.g. 10-300 Mbps.
How much does installation cost?
Installation fees vary depending on terrain, mounting, cabling, and provider.
Here’s what to expect:
Is fixed wireless broadband any good?
Here we take a look at some of these pros and cons of fixed wireless broadband:
Pros
Cons
How to choose the best wireless broadband
It’s worth looking at the pros and cons of each connection type to help you decide which type of wireless broadband is best for your home or business.
Think about what you use the internet for and the needs of your family or business and ask yourself:
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Wireless broadband FAQs
What is Starlink in Ireland?
Starlink is a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband service now available across Ireland. Unlike older satellite services that use a single high-orbit satellite (creating high latency and slower speeds), Starlink deploys thousands of small satellites in low orbit, which significantly reduces lag.
It’s especially useful for rural homes, remote workers or gamers who can’t access fibre or cable broadband. Starlink plans in Ireland currently advertise speeds of 50 – 250 Mbps with latency as low as 20–40 ms, though your experience can vary by location and network congestion.
You’ll need to order the Starlink kit, which typically includes:
*Starlink mesh Wi-Fi router *Phased array antenna (dish) * Power supply and cabling * Mounting base
After setup, position the dish with a clear view of the sky, plug in the router and you’re ready to connect your devices. Installation can be self-done or handled by a local installer for a fee.
Can I get Netflix with wireless broadband?
YYes. Any wireless broadband connection - mobile, satellite or fixed wireless - can stream Netflix as long as your plan includes enough data and the speed is sufficient.
For smooth HD streaming Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps per stream and for UHD/4K 15 Mbps or more per stream.
If your wireless broadband suffers from poor coverage or high latency, you may experience buffering or reduced picture quality, especially during peak hours.
Is wireless broadband the same as WiFi?
Not exactly. WiFi is the technology that wirelessly connects your devices (phone, laptop, smart TV) to a local router inside your home.
Wireless broadband refers to how the internet reaches your property - for example via mobile signals, satellite or fixed wireless masts - instead of a wired phone or fibre line.
In other words, wireless broadband can deliver the internet to your property without cables, while Wi-Fi then distributes that connection wirelessly within your home.
