SIRO, the broadband network operator, today launched its 100% fiber broadband network in Ballina.
The network will see the company bring its world-class connectivity to more than 3,500 premises in the city, with an investment of 4 million euros.
The SIRO Broadband Network for Ballina was officially launched by Ballina Municipal District cathaoirleach Councilor Mark Duffy at an event at the Great National Hotel Ballina this morning.
Today’s Ballina launch follows SIRO’s October 2021 announcement in which it outlined its plans to connect 90 additional cities and 770,000 premises across Ireland with its fiber broadband to the premises by 2026. The company’s total investment in broadband infrastructure in 154 Irish cities will exceed €1 billion to deliver its sustainable and scalable broadband infrastructure.
SIRO is a broadband joint venture between ESB and Vodafone. Since its creation in 2015, SIRO has deployed its network to date in 65 municipalities, reaching more than 430,000 homes and businesses and nearly one million people.
Across Mayo and the West, SIRO has already connected tens of thousands of homes and businesses in Castlebar, Westport, Galway and Sligo. Ballina will be the last town in Mayo to receive its 100% fiber broadband. Consumers and businesses will be able to order broadband from SIRO from September 2022, with the network rollout expected to be complete by the end of this year.
Early areas of Ballina that can benefit from broadband of up to 2 gigabits per second include Cluain Na Rí, The Spiers, Robin Hill, Church Manor, Healy Terrace, Oakwood Drive and Brae View.
SIRO’s state-of-the-art fiber optic broadband network is built on ESB’s electrical infrastructure, known for its reliability and resilience. Indigo, Richard Nolan and CBE are the contractors on the ground in Ballina working with SIRO to ‘light up’ the town with fiber optic broadband.
Speaking at the launch, SIRO CEO John Keaney said: “High quality connectivity is a key enabler for economic growth, and particularly for regional towns like Ballina. The pandemic has proven that working from anywhere, once there is access to reliable and scalable broadband, is now possible. Access to quality connectivity is a game-changer and allows regional cities to compete on an equal footing with our cities in terms of foreign investment and job creation. It is also an important service to be made available to tourists and visitors to Ballina.
“Since 2015, SIRO has been working to bring world-class fiber connectivity to the heart of Ireland’s cities. Our goal is to ensure that our fiber broadband enables people to work and live how and where they want, and businesses to access the connectivity they need to operate with ease and efficiency.
“We are delighted to further expand our footprint today by adding over 3,500 Ballina premises to our network, in addition to our existing presence in Westport and Castlebar.”
Councilor Mark Duffy added: “Over the past few years Ballina has benefited enormously from the migration of people westward, either returning home and/or leaving the towns for a better quality of life. Investment in fiber broadband, such as SIRO’s all-fiber network, will keep them in Ballina.
“SIRO’s network and investment helps Ballina realize its full potential, enabling people to stay connected and ensuring they can live, work and visit the city.”
SIRO’s broadband network is currently available to 430,000 homes and businesses, and will grow to 770,000 over the next four years. SIRO, as an over-the-counter wholesaler, partners with 19 broadband retailers across Ireland, to ensure customers and businesses benefit from greater choice and competition.
The retailers available in Ballina will be: Digiweb, Sky, Vodafone, Fastcom, PureTelecom, Westnet and Viatel.
The first houses and premises will be put into service in September. Register your interest at www.siro.ie or email [email protected] for more information.
