Broadford and surrounds to benefit from high-speed internet

ALMOST 300 homes in Broadford village and surrounding areas will benefit from blanket high-speed internet technology for the first time following the provision of broadband coverage from 3.
The National Broadband Scheme offers consistent full broadband access to 286 homes in the Broadford area and it is expected that full rollout of 3’s mobile technology looks set to be completed in Clare by the end of next October.
3 was awarded the National Broadband Scheme contract by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to provide access to affordable, scalable broadband services in rural areas, many of which do not currently have any broadband service.
The National Broadband Scheme sees an estimated €223m in investment by 3 of which a maximum of €79.8m will be contributed by the Government and EU.
Deputy Timmy Dooley welcomed this latest development.
“Many rural communities throughout Ireland are now receiving broadband for the first time ever from 3 under the Government’s National Broadband Scheme,” he said.
Deputy Dooley said several local communities in South-East Clare who want wireless broadband are not being served by the main commercial broadband providers.
Highlighting the benefits of the Government’s National Broadband Scheme, he stressed that having easy access to wireless broadband is a necessity for householders and local businesses.
“Having wireless broadband is no longer considered as a luxury. More householders are now reaping the benefits from internet usage and email for online shopping to banking and being able to study online. Children also benefit from being able to carry out research on line.
“The aim of the national scheme is to ensure the same broadband services are provided in rural areas at the same competitive rates. There has been and there still is minor blackspots in some rural areas and we are working to eliminate difficulties and to find a solution for some people living in elevated isolated locations,” he noted.
For more information, visit www.three.ie  or contact 3’s customer service team on 1800 949 519.