Vodafone and Electricity Supply Board (ESB), Ireland's premier electricity utility company receive approval from the European Commission (EC) on a joint venture set up by both parties to deliver an open access fibre-to-the-building broadband network in Ireland. Both companies have committed to invest €450M in the joint venture, which will utilize ESB’s existing electricity infrastructure to deliver the fibre-to-the-building network across the country.
The open access network which will be available to all authorized broadband operators in the country, will be offering 200 Mbps to 1000 Mbps, initially reaching 500,000 premises in 50 towns in phase one.
The two companies will now go about formally establishing the joint venture, with the network roll-out expected to commence early next year and phase one expected to be completed by the end of 2018. The first technical trials of the technology are already underway in two estates in Cavan town.
Doherty, Chief Executive of ESB
This is a huge milestone for ESB. We have invested €6 billion in recent years in transforming and modernising Ireland’s electricity grid, so that it can deliver this type of service. It’s consistent with ESB’s strategy of innovating, modernising and working in collaboration with other industry leaders
Anne O’Leary, Vodafone Ireland CEO
This project is consistent with Vodafone’s strategy of investing in ambitious projects and technology to deliver the most innovative services. This open-access network, made possible by the coming together of two strong established brands - Vodafone and the ESB, will revolutionise consumers and businesses’ experience of broadband.
