Eircom and the CCIreland Wi-Fi 24 Towns

damien

Eircom and the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland Announce National Wi-Fi Towns Initiative

* 24 wireless broadband towns created across 18 counties
* Largest Ever Wi-Fi Rollout in Ireland, Hotspots to Double
* eircom Increases Broadband Access

Issued Monday 3rd October, 2005 eircom and The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI) today announced a major broadband development that will create 24 wireless broadband towns across the country. The joint initiative between eircom and chambers around the country will result in the largest wi-fi rollout ever in Ireland, covering 24 cities and towns in 18 counties.

Approximately 20 to 30 hotspots will be installed in each town over the coming months, in locations identified by the local chamber, providing wireless broadband access to more than 500,000 local businesses and residents. The initiative will double the number of eircom wi-fi hotspots in Ireland to more than 900 locations. The project will be implemented with the full endorsement and co-operation of the each of the local chambers of commerce.

Commenting on the announcement Cathal Magee, Managing Director, eircom Retail, said "today's announcement constitutes the largest ever wi-fi rollout in Ireland, providing wireless broadband access to eircom customers in 24 towns and more than 480 locations. Creating wireless broadband communities places businesses and residents at a competitive advantage that adds real economic value to these communities."

Robin O'Sullivan, President of the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland said,
"chambers have been advocating and driving broadband availability in their localities for years, recognising its importance in enhancing local economies, attracting inward investment and driving Ireland as a knowledge-led economy.
The grassroots nature of the chamber network and the unique local reach that it offers, means that CCI, as a business network, is uniquely positioned in being able to facilitate initiatives of this type and magnitude. It also perfectly fits into our goal to provide better, more relevant services for businesses in their local communities."

Speaking at eircom's Regional Broadband Roadshow in Carrigaline, David McRedmond, Commercial Director, emphasised the company's commitment to
providing broadband access. He said, "Bringing wifi technology to towns throughout Ireland demonstrates our commitment to ubiquitious broadband access. This provides broadband to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible and as affordable as possible".

eircom is Ireland's leading wireless hotspot provider, with over 430 locations throughout the country, including numerous hotel chains, restaurants, airports, payphones and sports grounds. Venues include Dublin Airport, Croke Park, the K Club, and Landsdowne Rd., as well as restaurant chains such as McDonald's and Supermac's. For a full list of locations
please log on to www.eircom.ie/hotspot

Eircom is also the cheapest provider of wireless broadband hotspots, with monthly subscriptions starting at €12.10 inc vat per month. A wireless broadband hotspot transmits broadband into the immediate surrounding area,
creating a zone of up to 50 metres that allows customers to access e-mail and the Internet without the need for wires or connections. In order access a hotspot, users must have a wirelessly enabled device such as a PDA or
laptop.

Notes to editor
The 24 towns selected are: Galway, Dundalk, Mullingar, Cobh, Navan, Cootehill, Ennis, Wexford, Athlone, Clonmel, Swords, Blanchardstown, Ballina, Sligo, Tralee, Kilkenny, Carlow, Tullamore, Limerick, Bray, Westport, Letterkenny, Naas and Castlebar.

Eircom Hotspot scratchcard prices
Duration Price
30 mins = €3;
1 hour = €5; 24 hours = €15;
7 days = €30

Sponge Bob

So! The Fat Controller waddled out of Dublin southside for a change, landed in Carrigaline (probably flew down) and announced that 24 towns will get a hotspot with coverage of Radius = 50m or about 188400 Square Meters nationally.

188400 Square Metres is 0.1883 Square Kilometres in a country which has a land area of 70,000 Square Kilometres ......

I make that 1/371,500 of the land area in the state is to be enabled under this stonking initiative......... about 0000027% of the state.

Wow . Like as in ****ing WOW! ..are we that easily impressed down the country ??????