Fibre-optic broadband offers much faster connection speeds than ADSL, mobile, or satellite broadband. Here’s all you need to know about fibre-optic broadband in Ireland.
Fibre broadband is a type of high-speed broadband connection that uses a network of fibre-optic cables.
Fibre-optic cables are better at transferring data than standard copper cables so the internet connection is faster and more reliable.
Fibre is the fastest type of broadband you can get in Ireland and is best for streaming TV, online gaming and watching HD films.
Fibre broadband uses fibre-optic cables as thin as a strand of hair to send light flashes at the speed of light which are interpreted as data.
The cables run underground, to deliver super-fast broadband to business and homes throughout Ireland.
Fibre broadband is delivered to homes and premises in one of two ways:
The fastest fibre plans in Ireland can deliver speeds of up to 1,000Mbps via a FTTH connection.
Virgin Media can offer download speeds up to 1000Mbps via FTTC, using a coaxial cable, but most providers offer fibre broadband plans with speeds of up to 100Mbps.
The actual speed you get will depend on your distance from the exchange.
You can get fibre broadband in Ireland from 6 providers:
The main disadvantage of fibre broadband is that it’s not yet available everywhere, so whether or not you can get it will depend on where you live.
However, our Irish broadband checker can show you whether or not fibre broadband is available where you live. Our fibre broadband comparison can show you the fibre packages available in your area.
You can also check the fibre rollout map from eir and the Siro rollout map to check if fibre broadband is coming to you soon.
To find out more about the SIRO broadband rollout and whether its best for you, visit our guide, SIRO broadband explained.
Is broadband is available where I live?
If you’re looking for the fastest broadband in Ireland, fibre will work best for you. You’ll find it especially useful if you:
If you find a fibre broadband plan in your area, it is simple to make the switch.
Once you’ve chosen a plan and submitted your details using the online application, your new provider will be in touch to confirm the move.
You will need to do a couple of things to ensure the changeover runs smoothly:
If cable or fibre broadband isn’t available in your area, there are some good alternatives:
The broadband plans and types of broadband connection will depend on where you live, so try our free broadband checker to compare broadband deals in your area.
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving