How to get broadband without a landline
Want broadband without a landline? In Ireland, you can now get fast, reliable internet through full fibre, mobile or satellite broadband - no phone line needed.
Do you need a landline to get broadband?
Some slower broadband types, like ADSL or part-fibre, still need a phone line to deliver your connection.
But many newer options don’t, so if you don’t have or want a landline, you can still get fast, reliable internet.
Speedier broadband connections that don’t need a line include:
Ways to get broadband without a phone line
With full fibre expanding nationwide and 5G mobile broadband improving coverage, there are now more ways than ever to get connected without a phone line.
Mobile broadband
4G and 5G mobile broadband is becoming more widely available.
4G and 5G mobile broadband uses the same networks as your mobile phone and is available through SIMs, dongles or mobile routers.
It’s useful if you want flexible broadband at home or on the move; just make sure the coverage in your area is strong for a stable connection.
If your mobile signal is weak, your mobile broadband speed will likely suffer too, so it’s worth checking your provider’s coverage map before you sign up.
Fibre broadband
Full fibre broadband is delivered directly to your home using fibre-optic cables, so you do not need a landline.
If you live in a very rural area, some fibre and faster broadband packages may not be available. You can find out what’s available in your area with our quick and easy broadband checker.
Satellite broadband
If you can’t get fibre broadband where you live, and your mobile coverage isn’t good, satellite broadband works almost anywhere in Ireland, which is ideal for rural areas, without cables or phone lines.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, now offers fast, reliable satellite broadband with speeds up to 220 Mbps (with most users seeing around 150 Mbps).
It works by connecting to low-orbit satellites, reducing lag and improving performance compared to older satellite options.
Compare broadband options without a landline
If you don’t have or want a landline, here are the main ways to get broadband in Ireland:
| Broadband type | Needs a landline | Details | Typical speeds | Provider examples | Learn more | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full fibre broadband | No | Fast, reliable home connection | Up to 2Gbps (5Gbps in some areas) | eir, Digiweb, Pure Telecom, Regional Broadband, Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone | Compare full fibre | |
| Mobile broadband (4G/5G) | No | Flexible or portable broadband | 10–500Mbps | Three, Vodafone, eir | Compare mobile broadband | |
| Satellite broadband | No | Rural homes with no cables | 50–220Mbps | Starlink, Bigblu | Satellite broadband guide | |
| Part-fibre (FTTC) / ADSL | Yes | Homes with existing phone lines | 20–100Mbps | eir, Pure Telecom, Regional Broadband, Vodafone | Fibre broadband guide |
Find broadband deals in your area
Broadband without a landline for students or renters
If you’re renting or living in student accommodation, getting broadband without a landline can be quicker and easier than arranging a fixed line installation.
Options include:
For students or short rentals
Mobile broadband
Fast, flexible broadband that’s easy to set up and move with you.
- Great for streaming, gaming and studying on the go
- Quick plug-and-play setup, no installation required
- Flexible contracts for short-term or student lets
For shared or longer-term homes
Full fibre broadband
Reliable, high-speed internet, perfect for shared houses or longer-term rentals.
- Good for rental houses with multiple users
- Great for streaming, remote work and everyday use
- Check with your landlord if fibre lines are already installed
Is it worth getting a landline installed?
Most Irish homes have moved away from landlines, replacing them with mobile and broadband services.
Still, some rural or older properties may find a landline useful for reliable voice calls. You’ll find them handy for:
- Signal problems: If you have poor mobile reception at home, a landline ensures you can still make reliable voice calls.
- Reliability: During power cuts or mobile network issues, a landline often remains unaffected.
- Backup communication: If you prefer a separate home number, a landline can still be handy for professional reasons or home offices.
If you don’t intend to use your landline you can always choose a broadband-only plan. This means your phone line is used to provide your broadband, but you can’t make phone calls.
How to check broadband availability in your area
Your broadband options depend on the infrastructure and providers available where you live.
You can use our broadband eircode checker to instantly see all of the broadband providers and plans in your area.
It’s quick, free, and helps you find the best broadband deal, with or without a landline.
To learn more about switching, see our guide: How to switch broadband providers.
Broadband without a landline FAQs
What’s the cheapest broadband without a landline?
Mobile broadband is often the cheapest option if you don’t need a landline. It’s flexible, easy to set up and doesn’t require installation.
However, if full fibre broadband is available in your area, it may offer better long-term value with faster speeds and more reliable service.
Can you use your mobile phone as home broadband?
Yes, you can use your mobile phone’s hotspot feature to share its internet connection with other devices.
For a more stable setup, consider a 4G or 5G home router with an unlimited data SIM.
This is a popular choice for renters or students who can’t install fixed broadband.
Is Starlink broadband worth it in Ireland?
Starlink can be a good option for rural homes with no fibre or strong mobile coverage. It offers fast speeds (typically around 150 Mbps) and low latency compared to older satellite services.
The equipment cost is higher upfront, but it provides reliable broadband almost anywhere in Ireland.
Is fibre broadband the same as broadband without a landline?
Not exactly. Full fibre broadband (FTTH) doesn’t use a landline - it’s delivered via fibre-optic cables directly to your home. However, older part-fibre or ADSL connections still rely on copper phone lines, which means you’ll need an active landline for those.
Enjoy superfast fibre broadband
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