National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has announced that 65,000 homes, farms, and businesses will be connected to its network earlier than originally scheduled, with the new target set for completion in 2025. The move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to meet the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) objectives.
The accelerated timeline includes 32,000 premises that have been moved forward from 2026, now scheduled to receive high-speed broadband this year. The push means that 65,000 locations will be able to access broadband services up to nine months sooner than initially planned.
As the wholesale network operator for the NBP, NBI does not sell broadband directly to consumers. Instead, it provides services through nearly 70 participating broadband providers.
To date, NBI has brought high-speed fibre broadband to 320,829 premises, with more than 110,000 already connected to the network. The company reports that over 4,500 new connections are being made each month, demonstrating significant progress toward completing the national broadband rollout.
Peter Hendrick, CEO of National Broadband Ireland, highlighted the progress made in 2024 as a key factor in accelerating the project. “The huge progress that was made on the rollout in 2024 means we can deliver high-speed broadband to more homes and businesses earlier this year, and leaves us in a strong position to complete our rollout on time and on budget,” Hendrick said.
With just two years remaining before the project’s deadline, Hendrick emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring that communities across Ireland receive the connectivity they need. He also noted the growing number of broadband providers available on the NBI network, encouraging consumers to explore their options. “With almost 70 different internet providers offering broadband services on the NBI network and January typically being switching season, there are certainly merits in shopping around to see what options are available,” he added.
The National Broadband Plan is a critical infrastructure project for Ireland, aimed at providing high-speed internet access to rural and underserved areas. As the NBI continues to expand its coverage, the latest announcement marks a significant step forward in meeting the Government’s target of universal broadband connectivity by 2026.
