Above : Confirms 3 Ireland's current coverage.

Europe Ireland - 3 Ireland welcomed Minister Eamon Ryan’s announcement that 3 had been appointed “preferred tenderer” in the National Broadband Scheme.

Commenting on the news, Robert Finnegan Chief Executive of 3 said:
 
“As the country’s leading mobile broadband provider, we have fought hard to bring Ireland up to speed in the broadband league tables by bringing increased competition to Ireland and implementing the best broadband technologies available. We are delighted to be named “preferred tenderer” and we look forward to working with the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources to better connect rural Ireland. The country’s digital infrastructure is key to making Ireland competitive and reviving the country’s economy and 3 will play an important part in delivering this.”

Commenting on the appointment, Minister Ryan said:

“I am delighted to announce that I have appointed 3 Ireland as the Preferred Tenderer for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS).  It is imperative that we have universal broadband coverage in Ireland, for foreign investment, for competitiveness and for our own businesses and householders. Broadband availability will be central to our economic recovery.”

Ireland’s National Broadband Scheme will deliver broadband to those areas of the country currently unserved. Following this selection, work will be finalised on the scheme and announced upon completion next month.

3 has over 300,000 customers, including 105,000 mobile broadband users. 3 has invested 530 million euros in its network to date creating over 200 jobs in Ireland.