Ireland’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) is a valuable example of overcoming the challenges of providing high-speed internet to rural and remote communities. As highlighted in a video interview with the European Broadband Competence Offices (BCO) Network, Ireland’s approach offers valuable learnings for broadband project promoters across Europe.
Ossian Smyth, Former Irish Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, underscores how broadband has become as essential as utilities like water and electricity, particularly for remote areas. When commercial providers could not serve 25% of homes in Ireland, the government turned to the European Commission for State aid approval, allowing for the subsidisation of broadband deployment in underserved regions.
“I think that broadband connectivity is something that can help to equalise people; it takes areas that are deprived or that are more remote, distant from the economic centres of the country, and allows people to earn a living there.”
Ossian Smyth, Former Irish Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications
Yet, rolling out broadband to these areas, presented numerous challenges. Peter Hendrick, CEO of National Broadband Ireland (NBI), describes the scale of the project, which will serve 1.1 million people across 560,000 premises, including 65,000 farms. The comparison to Ireland’s rural electrification – an effort that took 45 years – illustrates the magnitude of the task. However, by taking advantage of existing infrastructures, such as telephone poles and ducts, NBI accelerated the deployment timeline and reduced costs, significantly overcoming logistical and financial hurdles.
Geographical challenges, such as accessing remote islands and rugged rural areas, were another significant obstacle. As Hendrick notes, working closely with local authorities and design-build contractors was critical to tackling this, ensuring the project remained on time and on budget. The project also encountered the complexities of coordinating numerous stakeholders, which required ongoing collaboration and strong project management.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of the NBP are evident. Tom Canning, an agricultural consultant, highlights how reliable broadband access allows farmers to adopt modern technologies, enhancing productivity and competitiveness. Ian Blake, a resident of Rutland Island, shares how broadband enabled him to work remotely, easing anxieties about living in a remote location.
NBI's wholesale model has also played a key role in overcoming market barriers, offering 62 different internet service providers on its network. This diversity fosters competition, driving down prices and improving service quality for consumers.
Ireland’s commitment to providing gigabit-speed broadband to every farm, business and home, well ahead of the EU’s 2030 target, sets an inspiring example for Europe. The NBP serves as a model for broadband project promoters, highlighting the importance of rural inclusion, infrastructure optimisation, and partnerships in achieving universal connectivity.
This video was filmed as part of the European Broadband Competence Offices (BCO) Network’s work to raise awareness of EU support for high-speed broadband deployment and share good practices in broadband projects. Discover more interviews in the BCO Network YouTube playlist and more broadband good practices, news and resources in the BCO Network Library.