Rather than competing for digital real estate, Virgin Media Ireland and Vodafone Ireland have inked a deal to work together. As Telecoms.com reports, the agreement will allow Vodafone to use Virgin Media’s fiber broadband network to reach its regional customers.
“We’re very pleased to provide network access opportunities to other operators for the first time and we welcome Vodafone as our first wholesale network partner,” said Chief Executive of Virgin Media Ireland, Tony Hanway. “It’s all systems go as we continue to expand our network nationally and bring ultrafast fiber connectivity to over 240,000 homes by the end of 2022, and over 1 million homes by 2025. Our entry into the wholesale market will support more competition while improving service delivery for consumers, businesses and communities across Ireland.”
According to Telecoms.com, Virgin Media’s broadband network counts one million Irish households in its network. So far, 150,000 have been converted to its fiber network. Once upgraded to the 10 Gbps, customers can expect a big boost in speeds over the current 1 Gbps arrangement. The carrier has said it anticipates that the project will take three years, and cost approximately USD $1,996,952.
“Having recently celebrated 21 years in Ireland,” noted Amanda Nelson, CEO of Vodafone Ireland, “We are looking forward to supporting our customers and businesses across the country long into the future, ensuring balanced regional development and a resilient and strengthened economy. Partnerships such as this, demonstrate our continued focus on our significant network investment strategy, as we look to continually upgrade and refresh our capabilities in Ireland.”
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