The ESB's National Fibre Optic Network was completed today by the switching on of the Northern Loop of the scheme. The network provides broadband infrastructure across the country.
The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dermot Ahern, said he has plans to make broadband available to an additional 90 towns in a short time frame and at a very competitive price. He said he hopes to see further developments on the cost of broadband in Ireland after recent dramatic price cuts in the wholesale market.
The ESB Fibre Optic Network covers 1,300 kms and uses fibres wrapped around Ireland's electricity transmission network. It was finished at a cost of €50m and was built in 30 months. The network links Dublin to Limerick, through Cork and Waterford, Dundalk, Sligo and Galway and back to Dublin with a line also linking Letterkenny and Buncrana.
