Castlebar included in broadband Gigabit Hub Initiative
THE Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor has today launched Vodafone and SIRO’s national Gigabit Hub Initiative, which aims to spark a digital transformation in 15 towns across Ireland.
A first of its kind, the companies will offer a 1 Gigabit broadband connection to qualifying business, technology and start up hubs free of charge for two years with the initiative having the potential to significantly strengthen and grow thousands of jobs across Ireland.
The initiative is now open to hubs based in 15 towns – Dundalk, Cavan town, Carrigaline, Sligo, Letterkenny, Wexford town, Drogheda, Portlaoise, Castlebar, Mullingar, Newbridge, Ennis, Ratheniska, Tralee and Carlow town.
The possibilities and benefits of digital connectivity for these towns through this initiative are endless. Having access to high-speed broadband internet connectivity will mean that businesses can now be based in any location, retain local skills, knowledge and talent, compete on a level playing field with national and international organisations.
The application process is now open and will run until Friday, April 21. Hubs interested in applying for the 1 Gigabit broadband connection can find out more about the initiative and register their interest at www.vodafone.ie/connected-futures
This unique initiative has been designed to replicate the success of the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen, which is powered by 1 Gigabit internet connection thanks to SIRO, the joint venture between the ESB and Vodafone.
Officially launched in August 2016 by Minister O’Connor, Ludgate is firmly on course to help create 500 jobs in the West Cork region over the next five years.
Highlighting the challenges facing rural business, Vodafone research undertaken in late 2016 with businesses based at Ludgate, found that nearly two-thirds (62%) said that faster broadband and mobile phone coverage would enable them to expand their business, with the majority saying that they intend to employ more people on a full or part-time basis in the next 12 months as a result of super-fast broadband.
However, nearly seven in 10 (69%) said that slow and unreliable speeds prevent them from working efficiently and hold back their potential for growth, clearly illustrating the importance of high speed broadband connectivity to businesses.