The European Commission has given the go-ahead to create a joint ventre firm to deliver a 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network for the first time in Ireland.

ESB and Vodafone are investing €450 millionin the joint venture, which will utilise ESB’s existing electricity infrastructure to deliver the fibre-to-the-building network across the country. The 100% fibre-to-the-building network will offer broadband speeds from 200 Mbps to 1000 Mbps, initially reaching 500,000 premises in 50 towns in phase one.

-- Advertisement --

The two companies will now go about formally establishing the joint venture. Network roll-out will commence early next year and phase one is expected to be complete by the end of 2018, with further scope for a second phase thereafter. The first technical trials of the technology are already underway in two estates in Cavan town.

Pat O'Doherty, Chief Executive of ESB, said: "This is a huge milestone for ESB. We have invested €6 billion in recent years in transforming and modernising Ireland’s electricity grid, so that it can deliver this type of service. It's consistent with ESB's strategy of innovating, modernising and working in collaboration with other industry leaders."

(CD/IT)