Global telecoms provider Level 3 expands to Ireland’s regions

7 Jul 2010

International fibre provider Level 3 Communications has made a strategic move that could transform the internet reach of regionally-based multinationals and SMEs in Ireland. It has forged a deal with MANs provider E-net.

A new strategic deal with E-net will link Level 3’s global network with the 94 lit-up metropolitan area networks (MANs) across the country.

This will come as a welcome boost to SMEs and multinationals around Ireland and the fortunes of regional towns hoping to bust through the recession. For example, the first 24 towns to get MANs grew their share of foreign direct investment from 24pc to 90pc in the initial four years.

Level 3 recently provided a 50Mbps direct fibre optic connection to a Letterkenny-based company, Pramerica, as part of an overall network solution which provides connectivity from the US to the Irish facility.

James Heard, president European Markets at Level 3, said: “The Pramerica connection highlights Level 3’s capability to offer and support world-class telecommunications solutions in regional Ireland via the Metropolitan Area Networks and further illustrates our commitment to deepening and expanding our presence in Ireland.”

Conal Henry, CEO of E-net, said that by utilising the MANs, Level 3 now have the ability to offer next-generation telecoms services in regional Ireland.

“For our part, E-net will do everything we can to support them in their ongoing efforts to roll out advanced telecoms solutions to businesses all over Ireland,” he said.

E-net recently won a contract to deploy 100Mbps broadband to 24 schools.

Speaking specifically about the Pramerica connection, Henry added: “One of E-net’s major objectives is to dramatically reduce the digital divide.

“This connection underscores the range, quality and value of telecoms services that are now available in MAN-enabled towns. Simply put, Pramerica will be benefiting from the best available technology that knowledge-based businesses now require,” said Henry.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com