With the release of its full-year 2020 financial results earlier this month, eir has announced that its broadband base, totalled 962,000 customers at the quarter end, has grown by 2% or 18,000 over the year, driven by a quarter on quarter growth in both eir's wholesale and retail divisions.
eir customers using fibre-based high-speed broadband services totalled 767,000 at the quarter end, representing a year on year increase of 9% or 65,000 customers. 80% of the operator’s broadband base is now connected to its fibre network, which represents a 39% penetration rate in terms of fibre premises passed. At the same time, a total of 36% of its fiber customers are now on triple or quad-play bundles, up by 3% year on year.
To date, 2 million premises are passed with eir fibre, which is approximately 82% of premises in Ireland. A total of 576,000 premises are now passed with FTTH across Ireland, up by 54% year on year.
Carolan Lennon, eir CEO, commented: “Our ongoing €1 billion capital investment programme is playing an important role in ensuring our network remains fully operational and we will continue to roll out our upgrade programmes where it is safe to do so. Our urban and suburban FTTH programme, Ireland’s Fibre Network, continues to expand with more than 138,000 homes and businesses passed to the end of June 2020, and more premises being passed every day."
At the same time, eir's 5G network continues to expand, with superfast speeds now available in 21 towns and cities across Ireland, and outdoor population coverage now at over 29%.
