Up to 24 wireless broadband towns are to be created across 18 counties in Ireland as part of a Wi-Fi rollout deal agreed between Eircom and the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI). The company says the initiative will double the number of Eircom Wi-Fi hotspots in Ireland to more than 900 locations.
Between 20 to 30 hostpots will be installed in each town over the coming months in locations identified by the local chamber. Eircom estimates that this will potentially result in the provision of wireless access to more than 500,000 local businesses and residents.
Eircom currently provides wireless hotspots to more than 430 locations throughout Ireland, including hotel chains and sports grounds such as Landsdowne Road.
The managing director of Eircom Retail, Cathal McGee, described the move as the largest ever Wi-Fi rollout in Ireland. “Creating wireless broadband communities places businesses and residents at a competitive advantage that adds real economic value to these communities,” he said.
The president of CCI, Robin O’Sullivan, said the chambers have been advocating and pushing for broadband availability in their localities for years, recognising its importance in enhancing local economies, attracting inward investment and driving Ireland as a knowledge-led economy.
“The grassroots nature of the chamber network and the unique local reach that it offers means that CCI as a business network is uniquely positioned in being able to facilitate initiatives of this type and magnitude. It also perfectly fits into our goal to provide better, more relevant services for businesses in their local communities,” O’Sullivan said.
By John Kennedy
