Today I had the pleasure of being asked to attend the exciting launch of a new type of open access network for Ireland. Siro is the first technology of its kind in Ireland and is a joint venture of the ESB and Vodafone. What they are planning to do is bring 100% fibre to the building broadband with speeds of 1gb, yes you heard me right 1 GIG!!!

The main objectives of Siro at the start is roll this technology to rural areas, areas which have broadband which went out a long time ago in todays standards. I know people in Wexford who are on a 5mb connection which in todays world is not good enough.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was there to reveal the company name and spoke of the jobs this initiative would bring, it’s exactly what rural Ireland has screamed for for many years. Some trial users in Cavan spoke swell on a video about how it has changed how they work now and the difference it has made to their lives.

Phase one will see Siro reach 500,000 premises in 50 towns and will be fully rolled out by the end of 2018, so a bit of a wait for it, but ten towns will have it this summer. They are Cavan, Dundalk, Westport, Castlebar, Sligo, Carrigaline, Tralee, Navan, Letterkenny and Wexford. The great thing is towns can register themselves today on siro.ie and spread the word!

It is truly an exciting time for Ireland as this will provide broadband that is only available in places like Hong Kong and Tokyo.

This image had to be included though, Enda I think had issues with me not wearing a tie or a suit and kept staring at me in disgust, either that or he loved my YES to equality badge, hehe!