Over 80,000 homes and businesses now connected to NBI high-speed fibre broadband

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company responsible for delivering the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced in its latest quarterly report that over 243,000 premises are now ready to connect to its new national network. 

Over 500,000 premises included in the State’s Intervention Area have completed the initial surveying phase of the rollout. With this critical phase of the works now nearing full completion across the country, the majority of NBI’s resources are now dedicated to the physical construction of its high-speed fibre broadband network.  

Minister Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, said: “The National Broadband Plan is one of the largest and most ambitious State infrastructural projects since rural electrification. This project was designed to support rural and remote areas, which were at risk of getting left behind without intervention. With the National Broadband Plan’s success to date, Ireland is now a European and global leader in digital connectivity.” 

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “National Broadband Ireland has maintained momentum into this year and the rollout is operating on budget and on schedule. We expect to pass over 300,000 premises and connect over 100,000 new customers to high-speed fibre broadband by the end of this year.  

“Almost 90 per cent of all surveying works are now completed which means a majority of our resources can now be dedicated to the physical construction of our high-speed network. 

“Access to high-speed fibre broadband is life-changing for rural communities. It opens up opportunities for education, remote work, and business development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.” 

Progress update as of 17.05.2024:  

  • Almost 89% of premises (503,390 premises) have now completed the survey stage of the programme. 
  • 76% of the project (430,413) has moved to or through construction, with over 48% of premises (268,649) now in the build complete category.  
  • The number of premises passed and which can connect to NBI’s fibre network is 248,231.  
  • Most recently, NBI announced over 75,000 (now 81,820) premises were connected to the NBI network.
  • Take-up rates are exceeding 50% in the Deployment Areas that were released first. 
  • 955 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) have been installed and are live with 672 of these in schools.  
  • The NBI infrastructure is already live on 10 of the 27 islands included in the rollout. While the remaining 17 islands are in various stages of survey and design works. 

Photo Caption: Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland with Minister Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy. Photo: Dermot Byrne