Source: Leinster Express
By: Conor Ganly

Three Laois communities are the first to be designated for high speed rural internet connection by being designated Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) under the National broadband plan.

The three new BCPs in Laois are among 50 sites connected across the country under new “Connected Communities” initiative. Up to 275 communities around Ireland will have points by the end of 2020.

The sites in Laois are at the following locations; Vicarstown Community Centre Oisin House Rossmore Emo Community Centre

BCPs will each have their own character and focus. Some will support remote working, others will facilitate study and digital skills training, and many will act as community access hubs with indoors and outdoors WiFi.

BCPs will be provided with a temporary wireless high-speed broadband connection of up to 150mbps which they will keep for three years, or until they are provided with a permanent high-speed broadband connection under the NBP.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) will act as the Wholesale Ss Service Provider, while Vodafone Ireland will act as the Retail Service Provider.

Laois/Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan said the BCPs area key element of the national plan to get high speed access into rural communites.

“BCPs are among the first premises to be connected under the National Broadband Plan and are located in some of the most isolated and rural communities in the country.

They will provide communities Laois free high speed internet access at publicly-accessible sites under the Government’s new Connected Communities initiative.

“The COVID-19 crisis has shown the value of digital technology in enabling workers, businesses and families in Laois to stay connected and in touch with each other. The BCPs are intended to bring people together through digital connectivity, and it’s that togetherness that I want to emphasise.

“When people can work from their own communities here in Laois, they can maintain the close connections that matter most: family, friends, community, and their homes.

“More than that, they can support local businesses, sports and community groups, all of which contributes to sustainable communities,” said the TD.