LightSpeed Broadband, that’s the name Vodafone has given to its latest internet service, claiming it’s the “most powerful fibre broadband network” in Ireland.
And, achieving broadband speeds of anything between 350Mbps and 1Gbps, Vodafone’s LightSpeed Broadband does sound appealing.
Launched in Carrigaline earlier on today (30 November), the service is on the back of the creation of SIRO, the ESB-Vodafone joint venture that was set up in May.
First proposed back in 2012, the €450m deal is a first for Europe as, rather than creating an entirely new fibre broadband network, the ESB, with the help of Vodafone Ireland, is instead using the existing electric cabling infrastructure as the basis for its high-speed network.
51 towns in Ireland are due to receive the service, Carrigaline being the first, with Vodafone hopeful its “fibre-hoods” (I know…) will include the likes of Dundalk, Wexford, Sligo, Letterkenny, Tralee and Cavan quite soon.
Many times faster than traditional broadband, LightSpeed is a 100pc fibre-optic internet connection, with no copper connection at any point in the network, says Vodafone, with a bunch of different options and speeds on offer.
That way you can choose minimum speeds from 350Mbps to 1Gbps, with prices ranging up from €40p/m for the first six months.
“As a key gateway to Cork and Munster, Carrigaline is ideally positioned to take advantage of Vodafone’s new fibre broadband product,” said Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
“Access to faster and more reliable broadband will open up huge possibilities for the people of Carrigaline, with local businesses now able to take advantage of the new opportunities that come with open, reliable and fast digital access.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this development in the months and years ahead, ultimately growing entrepreneurship, improvement in businesses and trade in Carrigaline.”