How to get broadband in rural Ireland

It can be difficult to get a reliable, fast internet service if you live in a remote area of Ireland compared with a large urban area, although this is changing, as more homes and businesses in remote areas are getting connected to full fibre networks.

Although broadband in rural areas of Ireland can be slow, the broadband speeds you get depends on what type of broadband connections are available in your area and the plan you choose.

When will fibre broadband be available in rural areas?

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is rolling out high-speed, full fibre broadband to homes and businesses in rural Ireland.

NBI is undertaking this scheme as part of the National Broadband Plan which aims to deliver ‘quality, affordable high-speed broadband’ to all parts of Ireland.

With minimum speeds of 500Mb guaranteed to all in the ‘Intervention Area’, the project means those living in remote areas will get access to reliable, superfast broadband from a choice of providers.

NBI has recently reported that over 500,000 premises can now avail of high speed fibre broadband, with over 120,000 homes already connected. The take-up of fibre broadband is surpassing 50% in areas where the network has been available for 18 months.

If you want to see when faster broadband is on its way to you, check out the NBI eircode map and sign up for updates in your area.

What broadband can you get in rural Ireland?

Here are the main types of broadband you can choose from if you live in a remote part of the country:

• ADSL Broadband uses your landline to provide an internet connection of up to 24Mb. The distance from the telephone exchange and the quality of your connection impacts speed.
• Fibre Broadband uses fibre optic cables. Although harder to get in rural areas it’s worth checking SIRO or fibre rollout in your area because the infrastructure is growing all the time.
• Satellite broadband is set up in a household by installing a satellite dish. It can provide an internet connection to any home, even very remote properties.
• Mobile Broadband is provided through a mobile phone signal and is offered by eir, Three and Vodafone. Most networks offer mobile broadband via modems, mobile dongles and 4G/5G SIMs.

Compare rural broadband packages and plans

How to improve slow broadband

If you live in a rural area and are having issues with slow internet, consider switching your broadband provider. As well as the potential to improve the speed of your broadband, you may also benefit from an introductory discount and save money too.

If you’ve recently switched, or you can’t get a faster plan where you live, try our tips on improving slow broadband, which could make a big difference at no extra cost.

Best broadband and internet for rural areas

The best broadband package for you will depend on your budget and what features you’re looking for.

If you want a fast, reliable connection, then check if fibre broadband is now available near you as the fibre network is constantly being updated.

Satellite broadband is ideal for people in remote areas because it can provide a connection to any home. However, there can be download limits and speed issues, so if you’re a heavy user, or you have a busy household, this may not be the best solution.

Starlink - Ireland’s newest satellite broadband provider - overcomes some of these issues with the promise of high speed, unlimited broadband for hard-to-reach locations.

Mobile broadband could also be a good option, but you’ll need to make sure you have a strong mobile phone signal where you live, to ensure you’ll have a reliable internet connection.