![](https://www.siliconrepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/201112/fibre.jpg)
The year 2011 was a mixed year in the fortunes of the telecoms industry in Ireland. It was a year of advancement and innovation but also a struggle due to the underlying economic climate in Ireland.
Nevertheless it was the year that saw a new Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte TD enter the field. Rabbitte has set in motion the much needed strategy group required to roll out Next Generation Networks across Ireland.
The past year has also seen significant moves in terms of fibre coming ashore in Ireland in the form of transatlantic fibre networks as well as a new UK-Ireland fibre network.
On the domestic front 2011 saw the Government reveal the shutdown date in 2012 for Ireland’s analogue signal and the move to digital in December next year as well as moves to close the rural broadband gap.
Communications is central to Ireland’s future as an economy that could be central to Europe and North America’s appetite for digital content and financial services and 2012 is shaping up to be an interesting year …
Comms Minister Pat Rabbitte TD talks with Siliconrepublic.com editor John Kennedy
Comms Minister Pat Rabbitte TD talks with Siliconrepublic.com editor John Kennedy
Jeroen Hoencamp, CEO, Vodafone Ireland says a digital society can transform Ireland’s fortunes
Jeroen Hoencamp, CEO, Vodafone Ireland says a digital society can transform Ireland’s fortunes
Interview with Graham Sutherland, MD BT Business Group former chief executive, BT Ireland
Graham Sutherland, chief executive, BT Ireland
Boston Consulting’s David Dean outlines the economic impact of the internet on Ireland at the Future Forum
Boston Consulting’s David Dean on how 3pc to 7pc of nations’ GDP come from the digital economy