Wireless broadband in Ireland
If fibre or a phone line isn’t available where you live, wireless broadband can offer another way to get connected. We look at the main options available in Ireland and who they’re best suited to.
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.
Wireless broadband uses mobile networks, satellites or radio signals to deliver internet to your home. The three main types are mobile broadband, satellite broadband and fixed wireless broadband.
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.
Wireless vs wired broadband
Most broadband connections use fibre-optic cables or copper phone lines, while wireless broadband reaches your home using mobile networks, satellites or radio signals.
Here’s how the main connection types compare:
Wired broadband
Wireless broadband
Compare wireless broadband options
Here’s how the main wireless broadband options differ, and who they may suit best:
| Fixed wireless | Mobile broadband | Satellite broadband | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Homes without fibre | Flexible or short-term internet | Remote homes with poor coverage | |
| Installation | Outdoor receiver needed | Usually none | Dish or self-install | |
| Coverage | Local mast and signal dependent | Mobile network dependent | Clear view of the sky needed | |
| Portability | Fixed to your home | Can be portable | Fixed to your home | |
| Latency | Usually low | Usually low | Typically higher | |
| Main drawback | Limited by location | Speeds can fluctuate | Higher setup costs |
For more detailed information on the other wireless options, see our mobile broadband comparison page for current plans and providers or our satellite broadband guide for more on speeds, costs, providers and installation.
Fixed wireless broadband
Fixed wireless broadband delivers internet using radio signals from a nearby mast, rather than cables or phone lines.
A small receiver or antenna is usually installed outside your home, which connects to a router inside. It can be a useful option 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 usually needs a strong signal between your property and the provider’s mast.
Trees, hills or other obstructions can affect the signal, so providers will normally check coverage at your address before installation.
With fixed wireless broadband:
Typical fixed wireless broadband speeds
Fixed wireless broadband speeds can range from around 5Mbps on older or more rural networks to as much as 700Mbps on newer services.
Some providers now offer fixed wireless plans of 300Mbps to 450Mbps, while others offer speeds up to 700Mbps, with an average speed of 100Mbps.
The speed you actually get will depend on your provider, distance from the mast, line of sight, signal strength and network congestion, so always check the estimated speed available at your address before signing up.
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
Fixed wireless vs fibre
Fixed wireless is usually quicker to install and doesn’t need a physical line, although fibre generally offers higher and more consistent speeds where available.
Fixed wireless vs mobile broadband
Fixed wireless is installed at your property and can offer a more stable connection, while mobile broadband is usually more flexible and portable.
Fixed wireless vs satellite broadband
Fixed wireless usually has lower latency, but you’ll need suitable mast coverage and, in many cases, a clear line of sight.
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband connects to the internet using a 4G or 5G mobile network, similar to how your smartphone works.
It can be a flexible option if you live in an area with good mobile coverage, need a temporary broadband connection or want internet you can use on the go.
How can you connect?
There are several ways to get connected:
- Mobile dongle: plugs into a USB port on your computer
- Data-only SIM card: can be used in a compatible tablet, laptop or router
- Portable WiFi hub: creates a mobile hotspot for several devices
Speeds depend on the mobile network, signal strength and coverage in your area. 5G can offer much faster speeds than 4G where coverage is strong.
For more detailed information on mobile broadband, including current plans, providers, speeds, data allowances and prices, see our mobile broadband comparison page:
Compare mobile broadband deals
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
Satellite broadband
Satellite broadband delivers internet using a satellite dish on or near your home, similar to how satellite TV works.
It can be a useful option in rural or remote areas where fibre, copper or mobile broadband isn’t available.
How fast is satellite broadband?
Speeds have improved significantly in recent years, with newer services such as Starlink offering much faster connections than traditional satellite broadband.
Your actual speed will depend on the provider, location, weather and whether the dish has a clear view of the sky.
Satellite broadband can be more widely available than other wireless options, but installation and equipment costs can be higher and latency is usually greater than fixed wireless or mobile broadband.
For a more detailed look at satellite broadband, including providers, speeds, costs and installation, read our full satellite broadband guide.
If you’re considering Starlink, see our Starlink provider page for more on the service, speeds and availability.
Is satellite broadband any good?
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of using satellite 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
Is wireless broadband the same as WiFi?
No. WiFi connects your devices wirelessly to a router inside your home, while wireless broadband describes how the internet connection reaches your property.
Wireless broadband can use mobile networks, satellites or fixed wireless masts instead of a phone or fibre line.
Do I need a phone line for wireless broadband?
No. Mobile, satellite and fixed wireless broadband can all work without a traditional phone line.
You can find out more in our guide to broadband without a landline.
Which type of wireless broadband is best for rural areas?
It depends on the coverage available at your address.
Fixed wireless can work well where there is suitable mast coverage, mobile broadband may suit areas with a strong 4G or 5G signal, while satellite broadband can reach more remote locations where other options are limited.
Can I stream TV with wireless broadband?
Yes. Mobile, satellite and fixed wireless broadband can all support streaming if your connection is fast and stable enough.
Your experience will depend on speed, signal strength, latency and any data limits on your plan.
How do I know which wireless broadband options are available at my address?
Availability depends on the type of connection. Mobile broadband relies on 4G or 5G coverage, fixed wireless depends on nearby mast coverage and signal, while satellite broadband generally needs a clear view of the sky.
Check coverage with individual providers before signing up.
