National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has now confirmed the plan, which will see the basic package increased from 150Mbs to 500Mbs. (stock photo)The first tranche of 7,900 rural homes under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) will be 'passed' and ready for high-speed fibre within the next 10 weeks, according to Communications Minister Eamon Ryan and National Broadband Ireland (NBI) officials. Asked about discussions with National Broadband Ireland to speed up the seven- year, €2.1bn rollout schedule, Mr Ryan said he was hopeful. Department of Communications officials say that at least some of the 7,900 rural homes passed will be able to buy NBP-based fibre broadband packages from existing retailers before the end of 2020. Mr Ryan and Mr McCourt were talking as the first 50 'broadband connection points' in rural areas were launched.

Source: Irish Independent October 09, 2020 05:26 UTC