Wireless broadband choices in Ireland

How does wireless broadband work?

Wireless broadband works by using mobile, satellite or radio signals and transmitters to give you access to the internet.

Mobile broadband relies purely on the 4G/5G network, but satellite and wireless broadband use a combination of technologies.

Is wireless broadband the same as WiFi?

Although they both refer to wireless connections, they aren’t the same thing.

WiFi is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to connect multiple devices, usually to a router and the internet, in your home.

Wireless broadband refers to any internet connection without wires, and it can work without Wifi.

How to get broadband without a landline

While most broadband services arrive into our homes and businesses via cables or existing phone lines, there are some broadband connection types in Ireland that do not need a wire.

Here are the broadband connections you can get in Ireland:

Mobile broadband connects you to the internet using a mobile phone network, either 4G or 5G. You can connect via:

• Mobile dongle: This plugs into the USB port on your computer.
• Data only SIM card: Insert into a portable tablet for use on the go.
• WiFi hub: This is portable and acts as a WiFi hotspot for your devices.

Mobile broadband deals

What are mobile broadband speeds like?

The speed you get depends on your provider’s coverage of the 4G or 5G network and the strength of your signal.

Based on Ookla Speedtest reports. Speeds are subject to change and depend on locality.

4G broadband isn’t as fast as fibre broadband, but in urban areas with good coverage, 5G mobile broadband may be as fast and reliable as fibre broadband.

It runs on the same kind of connection as your mobile phone, so if coverage is poor in your location, you’ll find it hard to get decent speeds with mobile broadband from the same provider.

Is mobile broadband any good?

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:

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.

Compare mobile broadband

Satellite broadband uses a dish on or near your home to send and receive data from a satellite, in much the same way as Sky utilises satellite technology.

This is particularly helpful if you can’t connect to a broadband infrastructure or mobile network because you live in a remote or rural location.

How fast is satellite broadband?

Satellite broadband used to be viewed as slower than other types of broadband, but this isn’t the case anymore.

With some satellite plans, you can expect to get speeds between 22Mpbs and 75Mpbs, which isn’t as fast as pure fibre or cable but is better than most standard connections.

Starlink is the newest Satellite provider in Ireland, owned by SpaceX. They use multiple, small satellites that are closer to the earth than usual and promise speeds of up to 220 Mbps, with a majority of users experiencing speeds over 100 Mbps.

Do you have to pay for installation?

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 around €390 for a standard installation.

Is satellite broadband any good?

Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of using satellite broadband:

Although some satellite plans can’t compete with the speed or unlimited data that fixed-line plans offer, they can offer a reliable connection to the internet and could be faster than other broadband services available to you in your area.

If you’d like to find out more about which providers offer satellite broadband and how to find the best plan, read our guide, How does satellite broadband work in Ireland?.

Fixed wireless broadband is a type of broadband connection that uses radio signals to transmit and receive data.

Some internet providers in Ireland offer this as an option to those who live in rural or remote areas.

How does fixed wireless broadband work?

Sometimes called ‘Line of Sight’ internet, it provides an over-the-air broadband connection to properties that have a clear line of sight to a dedicated mast.

This means that no underground cables or phone lines are needed. It is also quicker to install and has lower latency issues than satellite. Radio waves are point to point so are easy to maintain and have low interference issues.

What speeds can you get from wireless broadband?

You can get broadband speeds between 10Mbps and 1Gb and there is no worry about distance or interference altering your speeds.

Speeds offered will depend on the service providers and the coverage in your area.

How much does installation cost?

Installation can cost anything up to €150, although some providers will offer to get you set up for free. The minimum contract term is normally 12 months.

Is fixed wireless broadband any good?

Here we take a look at some of these pros and cons of fixed wireless broadband: