Description
Broadband services are crucial to achieve the productivity growth necessary to improve competitiveness, sustain incomes, and ensure Leitrim captures new opportunities for business and jobs across all areas of the County.
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OVERVIEW ON BROADBAND
SERVICES IN COUNTY LEITRIM
Prepared by Leitrim County Council Int ernal Working Group
OCTOBER 2014
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Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3
2 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................. 4
3 Broadband Technology ............................................................................................................ 8
3.1 What is Broadband?............................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Broadband Speed ................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Predicable Costs ................................................................................................................ 11
3.4 Download Caps .................................................................................................................. 11
3.5 Reliability of service ........................................................................................................... 11
3.6 Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) ......................................................................... 12
4 Broadband Service in Leitrim .................................................................................................. 13
4.1 Broadband to the County through Backhaul ........................................................................ 13
4.2 Main Broadband Service Types in Leitrim ............................................................................ 14
4.2.1 Landline Broadband .................................................................................................... 14
4.2.2 Mobile Broadband ...................................................................................................... 15
4.2.3 Wireless broadband.................................................................................................... 16
4.2.4 Satellite Broadband .................................................................................................... 17
4.2.5 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).............................................................................. 18
4.3 Leitrim Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN’s)...................................................................... 18
4.3.1 eNet & Connecting to MAN ......................................................................................... 20
5 Leitrim Broadband Improvement............................................................................................ 21
5.1 National Broadband Plan.................................................................................................... 21
5.2 Actions Specific to Local Authorities .................................................................................... 24
5.3 Analysis of Broadband in Leitrim ......................................................................................... 25
5.4 Business Broadband Survey Report 2014............................................................................. 26
5.5 Future Actions for Ensuring Broadband is an Enabler in Leitrim’s Economic and Social
Development ....................................................................................................................... 28
5.5.1 Infrastructure Responses ............................................................................................ 28
5.5.2 Awareness Responses ................................................................................................. 28
5.5.3 Business and Education Responses .............................................................................. 28
5.5.4 Community Initiative Responses: ................................................................................. 29
5.5.5 Strategic Responses .................................................................................................... 29
6 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................ 29
7 Appendix 1: Library Internet Access & P.C.’s available for public use......................................... 30
8 Appendix 2: Department of Communications Energy & Natural Resources National broadband
Plan Main Programme Deliverables ........................................................................................ 31
9 Appendix 3: Glossary of Internet & Broadband Terms .............................................................. 33
10 Appendix 4: Leitrim Broadband Coverage Maps October 2014 ................................................. 42
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1 INTRODUCTION
Broadband services are crucial to achieve the productivity growth necessary to improve
competitiveness, sustain incomes, and ensure Leitrim captures new opportunities for business and jobs
across all areas of the County. Furthermore it is now seen as a basic requirement for households and
families to assist them with knowledge, education, leisure and overall better quality of life. There is
concern that Leitrim lags behind in the provision of widely available, competitively priced broadband
service access compared to other more urbanised areas and those with which we compete for trade and
investment. The objective of Leitrim County Council is to ensure that the county is well placed to meet
and exceed the telecommunications needs of businesses, institutions and households, to attract new
business, to assist in the expansion of existing businesses and to encourage entrepreneurial start-ups.
This Guide has been developed to help the reader understand what is meant by broadband, provides a
reference of how Leitrim is performing in broadband coverage and to define and outline the various
methods and technologies through which broadband is available in the county. Furthermore the Guide
summarises the current programme of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources to deliver the proposed State-led intervention under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). This
plan outlines the importance of the availability of high quality and reliable broadband to the
achievement of Ireland’s economic and social objectives and what needs to be done to deliver Next
Generation Access (NGA) high speed broadband services across the country. In particular, the plan sets
out commitment to a State-led intervention where it is evident that the commercial sector will not
deliver. The plan envisages that the State-led intervention would provide reliable broadband services at
high speeds (30Mbps download) per subscriber through fibre (or equivalent technology) connectivity
sufficiently close to the user premises. The overarching strategic objective of the intervention is to
ensure that all citizens and businesses have the opportunity to access high speed broadband.
The guide outlines Leitrim County Council’s future actions for ensuring broadband is an enabler in
Leitrim’s economic and social development concluding with a useful set of appendices showing coverage
maps of existing Internet Service Providers in Leitrim and a glossary of internet and broadband terms.
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2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Broadband connectivity is essentially a high-speed telecommunications link. To put it simply, the word
broadband refers to a form of high speed ‘always on’ connection to the internet. Acceptable broadband
requires sufficient download and upload speeds. The typical industry standard for measuring internet /
broadband access is the download speed which is measured in Mbps meaning Megabits Per Second. The
better the network is, the faster the speed leading to a much greater range of capabilities and services.
Basic broadband is generally considered to be 1-3Mbps while Next Generation Broadband speeds can
range from those delivering up to 24Mbps download speeds to 100Mbps and higher. When it comes to
picking a broadband package from a service provider there are many options available regarding speeds
and data limits. Speed will determine how fast content can be downloaded, whereas the download
allowance will determine how much data in Giga Bytes can be downloaded in a particular billing period.
Depending on how it is planned to use the internet, these two factors are key to ensuring that a
customer does not overpay or underpay for broadband access. Independent and impartial broadband
package comparisons are available on the Commission for Communications Regulation website
www.callcosts.ie.
Broadband connection to County Leitrim is through the Backhaul Network. This is the part of the
network which carries large amounts of data between regional base stations back to the centre of the
telecommunications data network generally through optical fibre. Several companies operate national
fibre optic networks including Eircom, BT Ireland, ESB/Vodafone and UPC Ireland.
There are five main forms of broadband access in Leitrim which currently are:
• The ordinary copper telephone landline, using advanced technologies – ISDN, and ADSL suite of
technologies.
• Mobile phone network Broadband (3G, 4G, HSDPA)
• High-speed radio technology from local hilltop transmitters (wireless broadband).
• Satellite Broadband from space using a specialised satellite dish
• Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) mainly for the business and services sectors in Carrick-On-
Shannon and Manorhamilton
All these technologies have advantages and limitations which are dependent on location, availability,
download speeds, data limits and service provider pricing or package offerings, but because of
population distribution in Leitrim and the topography of the county, consumers in many locations may
currently be restricted to one service provider or broadband technology type to allow them access to
broadband.
There are a lot of factors involved that influence the decision on the choice of an Internet Service
Provider (ISP) but the primary one has to be acceptable coverage in a subscriber’s area. The mapping
detail in appendix 4 shows the ISP’s area of coverage in Leitrim based on known providers as of October
2014. This information is based on the ISP’s coverage as provided by them directly or through their
websites coverage information.
It is generally the consensus that many parts of County Leitrim are not adequately served with
broadband coverage for today’s requirements. The Government is addressing this through the
Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources with the National Broadband Plan, which
is intended to provide Next Generation Access (NGA) broadband in sparsely populated areas that will not
be serviced adequately by the commercial sector. This proposed intervention will involve an end-to-end
strategy for the delivery of quality and reliable high speed broadband that includes a major fibre build-
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out to rural areas. This intervention will involve the delivery of long term, future proofed infrastructure
build with next generation fibre backhaul infrastructure as the key component underpinning whatever
access technology delivers the service (fixed or wireless). By focusing on a long term, future proofed
infrastructure build with fibre as the key component, the intervention will ensure that the solution
delivered is capable of scaling up to meet future demand and will address current connectivity
challenges particularly in rural areas, in a meaningful and sustainable way. Proposals for funding access
infrastructure in the most remote areas will also be considered, where roll out of next generation
backhaul infrastructure will either be insufficient to stimulate access investment by network operators /
service providers or where the cost of such investment is prohibitive.
A comprehensive mapping process by the Department is underway to definitively assess where the
commercial sector will provide high speed broadband over the coming years. This will also identify those
areas where a State intervention will be necessary. To date, over 1,000 such locations have been
identified as target areas for the proposed fibre based connections. This includes 33 locations in County
Leitrim. This is an initial indicative list of locations to be identified for Next generation Access as part of
the State intervention under the National Broadband Plan. Further locations may be identified as the
mapping process continues. Similarly, it may be determined that some of the locations will be addressed
by the commercial sector and accordingly will not require a State intervention. The mapping exercise will
be published before end of 2014 and will show (a) the areas of planned commercial investment by 2016
and (b) the remaining areas, which will be the focus of the Government’s intervention. A public
consultation will be launched on the maps, and on the technical standards that will apply to the State
intervention.
EU State aid clearance will be required for the intervention once the strategy is finalised. This will be
followed by a detailed procurement process in the second half of 2015 with a view to commencing the
roll out of high speed broadband services as quickly as possible thereafter. In order to comply with State
aid rules, it is proposed that any investment in next generation backhaul infrastructure and, where
appropriate, next generation access (NGA) infrastructure by Government will only take place in areas
where no such infrastructure is deployed or is likely to be deployed commercially in the near future.
In parallel with the NBP, investments by the commercial sector are underway and in some instances
have been accelerated in both fixed line and wireless high speed broadband services. Commercial
operators combined have either invested, or committed to invest, over €2 billion in their Irish networks
which will deliver broadband speeds of 30Mbps to 200Mbps to homes and businesses.
Leitrim County Council has established an Internal Working Group to ensure that there is clear mapping
of all broadband services available in the county. A second element is to provide information on the
coverage, indicative costs and company contacts to all potential users.
The Council continues to examine and strive for improved broadband coverage in the county through;
? Engagement with the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources
? Ongoing interaction with services providers, consumers, and businesses through information
provision, surveys and workshops
? Providing access to broadband terminals and facilities in Council buildings
? Ensuring that broadband development is central to the Council’s Economic Development and
Corporate Plans.
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Continued initiatives by the Council include:
Infrastructure
1. Ensure a streamlined process for road-opening licenses to ensure that there is one contact point
who can liaise quickly with the relevant area office for that area to ensure a quick delivery and
turnaround. This may also involve having an on-line application system which broadband
providers would use.
2. Ensure ducting is installed alongside improvements to road network or new housing estates
where feasible.
3. In addition the Council will facilitate, subject to Planning Legislation, the erection of broadband
infrastructure on existing Council sites or structures, provided same will enhance the service
available within the County.
4. Interact with the CCMA to consider a consistent national streamlined approach for the granting
of way leaves.
Awareness
5. Have the Broadband Overview Report 2014 available in the following locations:
a. Each library, at public computer section where those less likely to have their own
broadband will avail of it
b. In the LEO office for potential businesses to browse
c. On both the www.leitrim.ie and www.leitrimcoco.ie website
d. In Enterprise centres such as the HIVE, Food Hub and enterprise centres in
Manorhamilton, Ballinamore, Mohill and Drumshanbo
6. Provide an annual induction day for planners and development staff on telecommunication
updates which would ensure staff are up to date on new initiatives and plans for broadband
rollout technology.
Business and Education
7. Through the Local Enterprise Office explore and share opportunities of rural enterprises with
good broadband infrastructure and demonstrate the potential opportunities available to
business, with innovative use of broadband.
8. Organise, as part of the schools enterprise competition, a sub-section looking at innovative uses
of broadband and highlight the potential opportunities and awareness to children of school
going age and their families.
9. Work with education providers to increase the range of courses available on-line by allowing
access to Council buildings that have both internet computer and classroom potential.
Community Initiative
10. As part of the new PPN Structure, include information on the Broadband Report in meetings in
each of the Municipal District Areas.
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11. As part of the promotion of the report, the libraries will be encouraged to again highlight the
availability of broadband access through the library network (See appendix 1 for details).
Strategic
12. Work with business interests to look more directly at broadband and its potential to act as an
economic development enabler.
13. The issues that have emerged in this report will form part of the Leitrim County Council
Economic Plan and be included in the Local Economic and Community Plan.
14. Coordinate the preparation of a single submission on the National Broadband Action Plan based
upon the feedback and concerns of Elected Members and the Executive.
15. Prioritise engagement with the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources to
ensure Leitrim is sufficiently provided for in the implementation of the National Broadband Plan.
This Guide to Broadband is designed to inform the reader of the various technologies and terminology
related to broadband, how broadband is provided and service providers through which citizens and
businesses in Leitrim can avail of a broadband service. It further outlines plans for next Generation
Access (NGA) in the county through the commercial sector and the National Broadband Plan which
includes a major fibre build-out to rural areas which will not be served by the commercial sector. Fi nally
the guide outlines Leitrim County Council’s prioritisation of supporting and facilitating where possible
the delivery of broadband and Next Generation Broadband Access to all citizens in the county. It is
hoped the Overview Guide will provide a useful reference to citizens of County Leitrim.
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3 BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY
3.1 WHAT IS BROADBAND?
Broadband connectivity is essentially a high-speed telecommunications link. To
put it simply, the word broadband refers to a form of high speed ‘always on’
connection to the internet. Broadband infrastructure is a transformative
infrastructure, with the capacity to change what people do and the way they do
it. Broadband has enabled innovation, growth and the Information and
Communications Technology industry. New products include online
entertainment and games, while new ways of doing business include online trading and the provision of
services electronically, for example public information services, education and Government.
There are quite a few ways you can connect to broadband—like with a 'fixed line broadband' connection
at home, where you can connect your device to a modem with a cable, or use radio waves to connect
devices with a wireless connection. You can also have a mobile broadband connection—like with a USB
modem which makes a wireless connection to mobile phone towers to give you fast internet. You can
also get broadband through a satellite dish, or on an internet-connected mobile phone.
There are five main forms of broadband access in Leitrim - ADSL broadband (via a telephone landline),
mobile broadband (using the mobile service providers 3G/ 4G/HSDPA signal), wireless broadband from
local hilltop transmitters, satellite broadband from space and for businesses, Metropolitan Area
Networks in Carrick-On-Shannon and Manorhamilton.
3.2 BROADBAND SPEED
The typical industry standard for measuring internet / broadband
access in simple terms is the download speed which is measured
in Mbps meaning Megabits Per Second. This is a measure of data
transfer speed where a megabit is equal to one million bits of
digital information. The minimum capacity for a ‘broadband’
connection, and that most commonly provided, is 3 to 24 Mbps.
Although this capacity is reasonably adequate for many of today’s applications, as we move forward into
the Information Society many customers are already demanding increased bandwidth of 30 Mbps to 50
Mbps,100 Mbps and higher. The better the network is, the faster the speed of data transmission and the
greater the capacities that can be delivered. While there is no definitive definition of next generation
broadband access (NGA or NGB), it does entail higher speeds than basic broadband, which i s generally
considered to be 1-3Mbps. Next generation broadband speeds can range from those delivering up to
24Mbps download speeds to 100Mbps and higher.
Current plans for Broadband in Ireland are for Next Generation Access (NGA) where minimum speed will
be 30Mbps and this is the standard being set by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources under the National Broadband Plan for delivery to all premises in the State.
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The speed is an important factor to consider as it is evidence of how much information can be received
and sent using your internet connection. The faster your internet connection, the more you can do
simultaneously. There are two key factors that determine how fast your broadband connection is and
they are:
? The connection type: Broadband using state of the art fibre-optics is the quickest available on
the market, while ADSL broadband over existing phone line connections are generally quicker
than mobile broadband connections which is received in areas of 3G / 4G / HSDPA mobile phone
coverage.
? Your location: Generally if you live in an urban area you will most likely have a faster broadband
connection. Additionally, with ADSL broadband and some types of fibre broadband the distance
of your house from the telephone exchange has a bearing on the speed that you can expect.
Service providers generally advertise their broadband internet access speed in Mega Bits Per Second
(Mbps) with many in urban centres offering 50Mbps or 100Mbps. By checking the download speed a
user can easily compare the test result to their broadband pl an's speed and see if they are getting
roughly the service they are paying for. A useful website to measure internet speed is www.speetest.net.
By default Speedtest.net measures your connection download and upload speeds in Mbps.
The speed test measures the most important link in your connection – the link between the user and the
Internet Service provider (ISP) using the server that is geographically closest to you. This piece of the
connection is viewed as the most important in terms of broadband access as this stretch is most likely to
slow your internet speed, since it is difficult and expensive for providers to build connections to every
house and business. No matter how fast your provider's network is your connection will only be as fast
as the last segment of connection between the end-user and the ISP server.
Most service providers configure their connections to favour download speeds over upload speeds,
because there is far more demand for downloading content than uploading. The download speed refers
to the speed at which you download from the internet, for example, downloading music, watching
videos, viewing web pages. However upload speeds are important for uploading files and attachments
particularly for businesses so this needs to be taken into account also. The upload speed relates to the
speed at which information is sent back from computer to internet, for example, when making a Skype
call or for online gaming. The www.speedtest.net website also tests uploads speeds.
For modern internet applications, examples of the speeds needed are as follows:
Skype (source: Skype Support)
? For voice calls: 0.1 Mbps download / 0.1 Mbps upload
? For video calls: 0.5 Mbps download / 0.5 Mbps upload
? For HD video calls: 1.5 Mbps download / 1.5 Mbps upload
An important note: these connection speed requirements include downloading and uploading at the
same time.
Netflix (source: Netflix Help)
? Recommended broadband connection speed: 1.5 Mbps download
? For HD quality: 5.0 Mbps download
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YouTube (source: YouTube Help)
? Recommended: at least 0.5 Mbps download
YouTube offers several quality levels for videos. The lower numbers (360p) indicate that the video is
smaller and uses less bandwidth, but is also less detailed. The more detailed the video (480p, 720p, or
1080p), the more bandwidth it takes to stream. Choose the highest video quality that allows you to
stream without repeated stops and starts.
Spotify (source: Spotify FAQ)
? Recommended (standard quality on web and desktop, high quality on mobile): 0.15 Mbps
Broadband internet means a fast internet connection, which has surpassed the original “dial up” internet
connection which was much slower. The introduction of broadband has made it possible to watch live
broadcasts over the internet, download music and films much more quickly, as well as do anything a dial
up connection was capable of, only much quicker. However, your location can have an effect on the
maximum speed of your internet connection.
Internet Connection Time Lapse to load
webpage
(seconds)
Average Time to download one
song (mins/seconds)
Video Quality
(Streaming)
56k dial up modem 14 12m30s Very Poor
256k broadband 3 3m Poor
512k broadband 1.6 1m30s Low
1Mb broadband 0.8 41s Watchable
2Mb broadband 0.4 20s Good
4Mb broadband 0.1 5s Good
6Mb broadband Instantly Instantly Excellent
8Mb broadband Instantly Instantly As good as your TV
50Mb broadband Instantly Instantly Instant HD TV
Broadband Speeds and Corresponding Application
s
Source: EU Commission, 2010, European Broadband: investing in digitally driven growth
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3.3 PREDICABLE COSTS
Broadband also has an impact on cost. Monthly payments are usually fixed at a flat rate, with a generous
maximum download limit. A variety of package offerings from internet service providers generally allow
users pick a competitive package to best suit their needs. Considerable savings can also be made by
subscribing to combined telephone and/or television services, and broadband. For independent and
impartial broadband package comparisons visit the Commission for Communications Regulation website
www.callcosts.ie
3.4 DOWNLOAD CAPS
Internet Service Provider may impose a CAP (download limit) on the amount of data that can be
downloaded in a particular pay period or per the terms of the bundle signed up to. This is generally
measured in GigaBytes (GB)
Not every ISP imposes a limit on how much data you can download with your Internet connection.
Where download limits are imposed, they can range from as little as 4GB per month to 15GB or even as
high as 250Gb per month.
4 gigabytes is about the amount of data that would fit on six CD-ROM's. The following table gives an
example of what download limits mean in simpler terms.
Usage Allowance
(Gb per month)
Number of web pages
(assumi ng 100 ki l obytes of data
per page)
Number of songs
(assumi ng 1 song i s a 5 megabyte
MP3 fi le)
4Gb 42,000 820 (about 80 al bums)
8Gb 84,000 1640 (about 160 al bums)
20Gb 210,000 4100 (about 400 al bums)
No Li mi t No Li mi t No Li mi t
Note: al l fi gures are approxi mate.
Note that ISP’s can allow consumers to exceed their data bundle limits if such exists but additional
charges will apply. It would be very difficult to exceed a download limit just browsing the Web but if you
are going to use your connection to download or stream a lot of audio or video files or to download a lot
of software then download limits will have to be considered. If you spend several hours per day online,
perhaps making use of online radio stations, or online gaming, then it's surprising just how much of a
data allowance will be used.
3.5 RELIABILITY OF SERVICE
Currently, cable or wired broadband is generally viewed as the most reliable form of broadband
connection available. To simplify things, it normally connects into the telecoms enabled cabinet which
should be not too far away from premises. This means that there is less copper wiring required. Landline
ADSL will work as long as the telephone line works. Problems with ADSL broadband connections can
arise when there is too great a distance from premises to the actual phone exchange, or the quality of
the line is poor. In both instances broadband speeds can suffer as a result of these factors. People who
live in more rural locations can experience such difficulties. There are further complexities with how the
actual line is distributed or shared with individual properties.
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3G/4G/HSDPA mobile broadband connections are only as reliable as a normal mobile phone service. In
other words, it is very good in strong signal areas, but in particular areas and at peak times they can be
subject to a drop in the signal qual ity.
Satellite broadband only needs a clear view of the Southern sky. The primary reason satellite Internet
isn’t as reliable as cable Internet is due to the way it’s delivered (via signal rather than wire). Signals from
satellites can be weakened or blocked by inclement weather and sun spots. Trees, mountains or other
structures can also block your satellite from receiving a signal. Satellite Internet is available almost
everywhere. For those who live in rural areas that are not serviced by a cable or wireless provider,
satellite Internet is the only option for high-speed connection.
Wireless broadband using long-range directional antennae is often used to provide broadband service in
remote or sparsely populated areas .The transmitter must generally have ‘line of sight’ view to the base
station and not be blocked by landscape or high buildings. This technology can be affected by severe
weather.
3.6 CHOOSING AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP)
There are a lot of factors involved that can and should influence your decision to choose an ISP but the
primary one has to be acceptable coverage in your area. The mapping data in appendix 4 shows ISP’s
area of coverage in Leitrim based on known providers as of October 2014. This information is based on
information feedback directly from the providers or included on their respective websites.
When a number of service providers are identified for a particular area the following should be
considered when narrowing the decision to one ISP for the provision of broadband.
Speed How fast do you need your Internet access to be? What access speed can
the ISP provide? Is it consistent?
Reliability How reliable is the service? Are they always available or do they have
frequent down times? Ask people that use this provider about their
experience, either in person or in Newsgroups online.
Price How expensive is the service? Do they have a plan for unlimited access for
one monthly fee? How much is it and how does it compare to other ISPs?
Other Fees Are there any other charges, such as a one-time setup fee?
Bundles Besides the Internet access, what else is on offer? Additions such as
satellite TV or home phone connections may be on offer along with
access to hotspots when on the go.
24/7 Tech Support Do they have Tech Support? If so, when are they available? Monday
through to Friday, 9-5? Or 24 hours, seven days a week? How can you
reach support? By e-mail, phone? Is there a charge for contacting support
such a premium or high rate phone numbers?
Contention Ratio This refers to the maximum number of users who might be sharing the
resources of a connection at any one time A low contention ratio such as
10:1 or 15:1 is desirable but may be more costly.
When selecting an internet service provider, the buyer is advised to review guidance offered by the
Communications regulator ComReg through the website www.callcosts.ie which offers practical
guidance and price comparisons on packages offered by various i nternet service providers.
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4 BROADBAND SERVICE IN LEITRIM
4.1 BROADBAND TO THE COUNTY THROUGH BACKHAUL
Backhaul is the connection over which traffic is carried from a local aggregation node such as a street
cabinet or telephone exchange back to an internet gateway. Backhaul can be provided using different
types of technology with fibre being consistently dominant.
Essentially there are three flavours of backhaul – local, regional and national:
? Local backhaul takes traffic from the primary connection point (PCP), back to a local aggregation
point or node. Typically the PCP will be one of the green street cabinets operated by Eircom,
used as an access point for a communications provider involved in sub-loop unbundling, and the
aggregation point will be the local Eircom exchange.
? Regional backhaul collects traffic from the local aggregation node and delivers it to an
aggregation point where a national backhaul provider has a point of presence (POP). Here it
connects to the national backhaul network. However, aggregation point need not be an Eircom
exchange. Other providers have similar connection points.
? National backhaul takes traffic from the regional aggregation point to a telehouse for internet
breakout and onward delivery to the network. As above, the national link can be provided by
various providers.
The backhaul network needs to have enough capacity to serve aggregated traffic demand from the
entire community it serves. End-users do not all use the network simultaneously but the network should
still be able to handle peak demand.
Sligo
Manorhamilton
Carrick-On-Shannon
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The national Backhaul very high capacity fibre optical networks (telecommunications ‘highways’), used
to transport large quantities of information between the towns and cities of Ireland are shown above.
Telecommunications operators manage these backhaul, or ‘core’ networks.
4.2 MAIN BROADBAND SERVICE TYPES IN LEITRIM
The main methods of accessing the internet in Leitrim currently are:
• The ordinary copper telephone landline, using advanced technologies – ISDN, and ADSL suite of
technologies.
• Mobile phone network Broadband (3G, 4G, HSDPA)
• High-speed radio technology (wireless broadband).
• Satellite Broadband
• MANS (Metropolitan Area Networks) in Carrick-On-Shannon and Manorhamilton
4.2.1 LANDLINE BROADBAND
Initially when the internet emerged homes and businesses accessed
the internet through a dial-up modem connecting their PC to the
phone line and the connection was made on an as needed basis.
Whilst on the internet the telephone was unavailable and speeds were
very slow for internet access.
Technology improvements led to the delivery of telephone line
broadband through what is technically referred to as ADSL
(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). ADSL2+ is an improvement on DSL
technology and offers even higher speed broadband access from traditional ADSL lines. A special device
known as a modem or router is normally supplied by the service provider so that the phone and internet
can be used simultaneously. The modem or router can be connected by a cable directly to the computer
device or as is becoming more common, the router may have a localised wireless capability (WiFi) where
wireless devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones connect wirelessly to the router within the
premises but the internet connection to the router from the outside world is by wire over the telephone
line. This is also what is used in locations, such as airports hotels and cafes where people can access
broadband on a wireless-enabled laptop, tablet or smartphone.
For ADSL to be available to you, your local telephone exchange must be ‘enabled’ by the telecoms
provider. In the event that your local exchange is not enabled, you will be unable to access the internet
over your phone line. The quality of the service is dependent on distance from the exchange (generally
you must be within 3km of the exchange or cabinet) and also the contention ratio which refers to the
maximum number of users who might be sharing the resources of a connection at any one time.
Although you must have a telephone line connected to an enabled exchange, there are many ADSL
Internet providers to choose from, each offering a selection of different packages. A map of exchanges in
Leitrim which are enabled or are planned to be enabled by 2016 is located in Appendix 4.
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Advantages Limitations
Uses existing telephone wires Distance from exchange effects speed.
Allows faster connection speed. Though there will
always be speed variations, typical speeds of
24Mbps are available to many homes.
Requires a landline phone.
Bundle options - Customers benefit by saving
money, when broadband and calls and potentially
TV are bundled together.
Older phone line technology in some areas can
prevent broadband access.
Download allowances - Broadband deals that come
with unlimited download allowance can be much
more beneficial for heavy internet users. Generally
unlimited broadband is much more widely
available with home broadband deals.
Can be affected by contention ratio.
Price – Competiveness in the market has made
home bundles much better value. However
customers may have to pay a line rental fee, but
this is usually included in the cost of each
broadband package.
4.2.2 MOBILE BROADBAND
Internet access is common on a mobile broadband
connection where a USB modem (dongle) plugs into your
laptop or device and uses mobile phone towers to access
the internet. Smartphones directly display internet and
emails in this way. This is useful if you need the internet
when you're out and about, or if you live in an area with
good mobile phone coverage. Mobile broadband access is provided to customers through a mobile
phone signal, which is 3G or 4G enabled. 3G mobile broadband has been around for some time but
advances in technology mean that 4G mobile broadband – which provides connections speeds up to five
times faster – is becoming more available in Ireland. Both 3G and 4G mobile broadband work by using
technologies called HSDPA and HSUPA. These two technologies complement each other to deliver high
internet speeds to a mobile device, wherever that device is.
Internet access varies from one area to another. In practice, the way that 3G mobile broadband is
transmitted means that the strength of up to 21Mbps are available in certain places, such as town
centres, while in some regions – more commonly rural areas – speeds can be far lower or even
completely non-existent to provide internet access at acceptable speeds.
While 4G offers far higher download and upload speeds, it is transmitted in the same way as 3G so the
same issues of speed variations from one region to another will occur. The rollout of 4G networks in
Ireland has commenced in high population areas. 4G mobile broadband will enable more data to be
transmitted at a much quicker rate, making more efficient use of the existing mobile airwaves than has
ever been managed before. However it remains to be seen if 4G will have widespread availability.
MiFi units, are small wireless portable broadband devices that connect to a 3G or 4G mobile phone
signal through a provided mobile operator SIM card and can then provide a WiFi wireless internet
connection within a radius of 30 meters for up to five devices such as laptops, Smartphone’s and tablets.
This is sometimes referred to as a wireless HotSpot.
16
Advantages Limitations
Can be used on the move. Coverage maybe intermittent.
Some packages very cost effective for voice and
internet on smartphones
More likely to have download limitations (Caps)
where additional costs may be incurred
Flexibility - Easy to install and setup and the
portable nature of mobile modems, including the
likes of dongles and MiFis, which are required for
3G and 4G mobile broadband, mean that you can
connect to the net wherever there's sufficient
mobile phone coverage.
Though 3G mobile broadband will be suitable for
the majority of internet use, when web
applications are more demanding it can seem a
touch slow at times
Easily shared between devices. No additional wires
or cabling necessary.
3G mobile broadband is the most widely used. The
maximum speed of home fixed line connections, if
available, are invariably faster however.
No landline necessary
Providers such as Vodafone, 02, Three, Meteor and
Eircom and Tesco Mobile are investing heavily in
new 4G mobile broadband technology in urban
centres which should have knock-on beneficial
consequences in areas currently only receiving 2G
signals.
4.2.3 WIRELESS BROADBAND
Not to be confused with WiFi which refers to
wireless internet access generally within a
building from a fixed internal wireless router,
wireless broadband is a technology that
connects a home or business to the Internet
using a radio link between the customer’s
location and the service provider’s mast or
facility. A fixed wireless internet service is
normally delivered by line-of-sight radio transmission, which is received by a small ‘box like’ antenna in
or on the users premises. This provides an always-on broadband connection. The transmitter must
generally have ‘line of sight’ view to the base station although this is not a strict rule. This technology
using long-range directional antennae is often used to provide broadband service in remote or sparsely
populated areas where wired broadband is limited or non-existent. Speeds are generally comparable to
ADSL. Several small Wireless Internet Services Providers (WISPs) provide wireless broadband in this
region.
Advantages Limitations
Does not require a landline
Usually has download limit
Cost effective for remote areas
It is generally dependent on line of sight
Easy to install Contention Ratio can slow down access speeds (This refers to the
maximum number of users who might be sharing the resources of
a connection at any one time, a contention ratio of 50:1 would
mean that the maximum number of people you could be sharing
the connection with at anytime is 49 other people.
17
4.2.4 SATELLITE BROADBAND
In Leitrim because of topography and demographics many
homes are in a location where broadband access through
mobile, wireless or fixed line broadband is unreliable or
simply unavailable because commercial providers cannot
justify the investment required based on expected returns.
This is why satellite broadband in rural Ireland is a very useful
alternative and is a useful and effective solution in such
circumstances. Available to almost everyone, it provides a
reliable connection to the internet, no matter how remote the location. Just as satellites orbiting the
earth provide necessary links for telephone and television service, they can also provide links for
broadband. Satellite broadband is the best current option for serving remote or sparsely populated
areas.
The major benefit of satellite broadband is that it provides an internet connection to any home.
It is set up in a household through the installation of a satellite dish and it provides speedy internet to
get you online wherever you live. There are no coverage limitations when it comes to satellite
broadband (other than where a home might be closely surrounded by large trees for example) , which
means that the internet is accessible from any location. Occasionally heavy rain and snow can affect
signal quality and very high winds can displace a satellite dish trajectory.
Satellite broadband service is over 180 times faster than dial -up and quicker than many fixed-line ADSL
broadband connections, or 3G connections from the mobile phone networks.
Download speeds reach up to 20Mbps, allowing users to accomplish tasks quickly and efficiently, and
there are also cheaper options available with speeds up to 2Mbps. Downstream and upstream speeds
for satellite broadband depend on several factors, including the provider and service package purchased
or the consumer’s line of sight to the orbiting satellite.
For those with little or no fixed-line broadband, satellite broadband could be the answer, and it’s
available across the county. Details of satellite broadband providers are shown in appendix 4.
Advantages Limitations
Global availability More expensive installation costs
No phone or cable wiring required.
Latency/delay in signal transmission
High Bandwidth for areas with no DSL, Cable etc.
Advances in the technology mean satellite broadband is
constantly improving
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4.2.5 METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a
network of ducting and fibre optic cable laid
within a metropolitan area which can be
used to provide internet and
telecommunications services. MANs enable
telecommunications companies to provide
industry and business with effective ‘always-
on’ high-speed access to the internet. It is
also available for educational institutes,
health and research bodies and private consumers. These are fibre-based and technology neutral
resilient networks, which will ensure adequate future-proofed capacity. This optical fibre cable will give
businesses up to several gigabytes of bandwidth and access to the backhaul network to the international
community.
The MANs operate on an open-access basis meaning that all authorised operators (carriers) can have
access. This model is contrary to traditional operators’ exclusivity of network, and allows for competition
in a way that has not previously happened. For example, in any given MAN town, multiple carriers can
provide high bandwidth services, such as superfast broadband, over the network. The MAN’s will
provide a high bandwidth network that is available to all authorised operators, enabling them to sell high
capacity broadband and telephony services to end users.
4.3 LEITRIM METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORKS (MAN’S)
The MAN service in Leitrim is laid in the urban areas Carrick-On-Shannon and Manorhamilton. The
advantage of having a MAN system in two of Leitrim’s largest towns is the opportunities it provides for
high quality, high speed access for business and premises through a variety of connection types such as
mobile, upgrading of local exchanges (Local Loop Unbundling LLU) and wireless.
Direct Connection To MAN Indirect Connection To MAN
19
Carrick on Shannon
Carriers Connections (Total) Customers
Vodafone Ireland
Groupnet
Magnet
Airspeed Telecom
BT Ireland
Fastcom
13
Government
Education (Schools)
Health
Financial (Banks)
Manafacturing
20
Manorhamilton
Carriers Connections (Total) Customers
AT&T (US Based)
Vodafone Ireland
Plannet 21
Imagine Telecom
BT Ireland
HEAnet
6
Government
Education (Schools)
Health
Financial (Banks)
Manafacturing
Note: Information correct as at 10
th
October 2014.
4.3.1 ENET & CONNECTING TO MAN
eNet is the managed services entity for the Metropolitan Area Network in towns throughout Ireland.
eNet’s role on behalf of the Local Authority and the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural
Resources (DCENR) is to manage, maintain and market the MAN network along with carrying out all
customer connection and extension works. Their remit is to:
? Manage, maintain and market the MANs on behalf of the Irish Government in the knowledge
that the asset always remains in the State’s ownership
? Provide fibre based services to authorised operators on a wholesale basis
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It is important to note that eNet provides services to authorised operators only. The premises or
company that connects to the MAN, does so via an operator.
If you are an end user, please contact eNet on +353 (0)61 274000 or www.enet.ie to ascertain which
operators are providing on-MAN services in your Leitrim area.
5 LEITRIM BROADBAND IMPROVEMENT
A number of different national broadband programmes
have been put in place over the last ten years, including the
Group Broadband Scheme which was later followed by the
National Broadband Scheme (NBS). Leitrim instigated a
county wide survey of business and home users in order to
inform the areas of the county which should be included in
the NBS. This resulted in a significant increase in the parts
of the county covered under that particular scheme. In the
last two years, Leitrim has worked closely with the Irish Central Boarder Area Network (ICBAN) to survey
what are the needs of business and the area that remained poorly covered.
Leitrim County Council, local communities and business sectors need to remain pro-active both in terms
of adopting to new technologies and raising the awareness of the potential benefits of next generation
technologies as well as being proactive in engaging with any infrastructural roll-outs arising from
national government intervention in the broadband market.
5.1 NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN
The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) outlines the
importance of the availability of high quality and reliable broadband to
the achievement of Ireland’s economic and social objectives. The aim is
to ensure high speed broadband across the country and reflects
Government and European objectives to deliver availability of high
speed services to all citizens.
This proposed intervention will involve an end-to-end strategy for the
delivery of quality and reliable high speed broadband that includes a
major fibre build-out to rural areas. By focusing on a long term, future
proofed infrastructure build with fibre as the key component, the
intervention will ensure that the solution delivered is capable of scaling up to meet future demand and
will address current connectivity challenges in a meaningful and sustainable way. The NBP sets out an
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ambitious strategy to deliver quality high speed broadband across Ireland and address all areas that
cannot access high speed broadband.
Delivery of the objectives of the Plan is being achieved through a combination of:-
? ensuring the environment is right to maximise investment by the private sector
? State-Led intervention in those areas where it is evident that the commercial sector will not
deliver.
The focus of the NBP is now on a long-term, future-proofed infrastructure build with fibre as the key
component which will enable significant new capabilities to be brought to the market in terms of
broadband service availability, capacity, speeds and competition. The fibre component will underpin
whatever technology delivers the service (fixed or wireless). This solution aims to definitively address
Ireland’s connectivity challenge by removing existing cost barriers preventing commercial operators
from providing high speed services to end users. The fibre will be delivered directly to access points for
homes and businesses, where service providers can utilise the fibre to provide high speed services to
end users. The fibre build-out will also ensure that fibre is deployed to strategic locations on each route
such as schools, business hubs and health facilities. The overarching strategic objective of the
intervention is to ensure that all citizens and businesses have the opportunity to access high speed
broadband.
A comprehensive mapping process is underway to definitively assess where the commercial sector will
provide high speed broadband over the coming years. This will identify those areas where a State
intervention will be necessary.
To date, over 1,000 locations have been identified nationally as target areas for the proposed fibre based
connections. It should be noted that this is an initial indicative list of locations to be connected by fibre
as part of the State intervention under the National Broadband Plan. It is subject to completion of the
comprehensive mapping process currently underway. Further locations may be identified as the
mapping process continues. The maps will show the areas requiring State intervention and the areas
outside of these where the commercial sector have plans in place or already provide Next Generation
Access at download speeds of 30Mbps and accordingly will not require a State intervention. The strategy
will include additional measures to ensure that consumers and businesses can avail of services being
provided off the new fibre network. It is envisaged that telecommunications operators wi ll be able to
offer multiple services from the fibre network, including fixed wireless, copper-based and mobile
services, as well as offering the possibility of direct fibre connections. A “Call for Inputs” consultation
with existing Internet Service Provi ders was published in June 2014, the outcome of which will feed
directly into the mapping exercise. The mapping exercise is continuing and its findings will be published
for public consultation in quarter 4, 2014 when further locations may be identified for State
Intervention.
Intensive design work is continuing with a view to publishing an end to end implementation strategy
together with the outcome of the ongoing mapping exercise which will identify those areas that require
intervention. Further public consultation on the proposed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-
2015. This will include both the proposed Intervention Strategy and the findings of the Mapping
Exercise. (See appendix 2 for work streams and timelines)
In tandem with the NBP, investments by the commercial sector are underway and in some instances
have been accelerated in both fixed line and wireless high speed broadband services. Commercial
operators combined have either invested, or committed to invest, over €2 billion in their Irish networks
23
which will deliver broadband speeds of 30Mbps to 200Mbps to homes and businesses. Investment in
fibre-based networks as well as the roll out of advanced wireless broadband products is ongoing.
ESB and Vodafone recently signed an innovative joint venture agreement to invest €450 million in
building a 100% fibre broadband network offering speeds from 200 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. The combined
companies have stated that Ireland will also become the first country in Europe to utilise existing
electricity infrastructure on a nationwide basis to deploy fibre directly into homes and businesses,
initially reaching 500,000 premises in 50 towns. The fibre will be deployed on ESB’s existing overhead
and underground infrastructure, to roll-out to every county in Ireland. Carrick on Shannon is one of the
50 towns nationwide that will benefit from phase one this initiative. While the ESB and Vodafone joint
venture will build and manage the network, open access will be offered to all telecoms operators in
Ireland on a wholesale basis. This means that other operators can resell the fibre product to their
customers, helping to stimulate the development of new services and boosting retail competition in the
broadband market for consumers and businesses. Also Eircom is rolling out a €400 million investment in
a Next Generation Access Fibre Network that offers speeds of up to 100Mbps. Service is already
available to over 800,000 addresses, wi th planned coverage to reach 1.6 million addresses by 2016.
Mobile operators have launched 4G high speed mobile broadband services following ComReg’s
multiband spectrum auction. There has also been continued investment by all operators in enhancing
and broadening 3G services and network improvements and Fixed Wireless Operators are continuing to
invest in high speed point-to-point wireless broadband.
While the commercial developments are welcome the acceleration of investment is largely contained to
urban areas. In rural areas, however, the Irish average population density is 26 per km2. This means that
there are some areas where it is simply not viable for the commercial sector to provide services. In very
remote areas, the challenge is exacerbated and this will require careful consideration when arriving at
the most optimum intervention strategy for the State-led intervention. Analysis shows that there is a
significant lack of fibre backhaul across many rural areas which, if not addressed at the outset, will make
it impossible to deliver ubiquitous high speed broadband. This further highlights the need for an
appropriate State intervention which addresses the digital divide in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Alongside increased level of market activity, there have been a number of other developments which
make a compelling case for a more long term strategic view of the State intervention. These include:-
? the adoption of revised State Aid Guidelines which envisage the delivery of very high speeds and
now specify a requirement for fibre as close as possible to the end user;
? an increased number of connected devices, users and online services driving exponential
increases in demand for data services;
? emerging trends across Europe and internationally in which Governments are deploying
intervention policies that are long term, involve considerable infrastructure build out and rely
heavily on fibre for both backhaul and, in some instances, the ‘last mile’ access element;
? Government policy, as enunciated in the current eGovernment Strategy which focuses on
increasing the online delivery of public services. Delivery of service in critical areas such as
education and healthcare are also increasingly reliant on digital platforms and high speed
connectivity.
Furthermore with the fibre build-out, the strategy will include measures to respond to aggregated
community demand for services, and the provision of access services in the most remote areas where
fibre rollout may be insufficient to stimulate commercial investment or may be cost-prohibitive.
24
Under the National Broadband Plan proposals for funding access infrastructure in the most remote areas
will also be considered, where roll out of next generation backhaul infrastructure will either be
insufficient to stimulate access investment by network operators / service providers or where the cost of
such investment is prohibitive. In any case, and in order to comply with State aid rules, it is proposed
that any investment in next generation backhaul infrastructure and, where appropriate, next generation
access (NGA) infrastructure by Government will only take place in areas where no such infrastructure is
deployed or is likely to be deployed commercially in the near future.
Considerable progress has been made on the various work streams informing the direction and detail of
the strategy, particularly in the area of mapping, financial and infrastructure modelling and technical
specifications. These work streams are continuing and will be completed over the coming months. A
detailed intervention strategy containing details of all of the proposed elements along with the outcome
of the mapping exercise will be published for public consultation by mid-2015. It is envisaged that an EU
State-Aid application will be submitted in the second half of 2015 as will the detailed procurement
process. Finalisation of the RFT and contract negotiation will be undertaken in 2016 in order to select a
potential preferred bidder(s) and the subsequent roll out commencement of high speed broadband
services.
The indicative list in Leitrim of areas identified as of October 2014 which will require State intervention
for Next Generation Broadband are:
Aghamore
Drumkeeran Kilbrackan
Aghavas
East Barrs Kilclare
Annaghmore
Eslinbridge Killarga
Ballinagleragh
Farnaght Killegar
Buckode
Fenagh Kilmore
Coollegreane
Fivemilebourne Leckaun
Corrawaleen
Garvagh Lissinagroagh
Corriga
Glenade Mullies
Corry
Glenboy Newtown Gore
Derradda
Glencar Tawnylea
Dowra
Gurteen Tullycoly
With recent data from ComReg, the Irish telecoms regulator, showing that 43% of fixed broadband
customers in Ireland receive speeds of less than 10 Mbps, direct access to 100% fibre broadband will
transform the internet experience of small and medium businesses (SME), remote workers and
consumers. This will help areas such as Leitrim to compete more effectively for investment and jobs, and
SMEs to work more efficiently, enhance their online presence and reach new markets and customers.
Consumers will enjoy innovations ranging from home entertainment to e-health and virtual education.
Home working will also become a real option for more people, helping Leitrim to participate in the smart
economy.
5.2 ACTIONS SPECIFIC TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES
In order to achieve the ambitious targets which industry have identified for the rollout of high speed
broadband in Ireland, significant infrastructure works will be required. Fibre to the home or cabinet
(FTTx) and backhaul infrastructure will require road openings and extra civil works while new mobile and
25
fixed wireless technologies will require over 2,000 new installations to be installed across Ireland. The
more efficient and cost effective the various approval systems are for infrastructure build-out, the faster
industry can deliver high speed services to communities.
A number of challenges were identified including:
? A need for a more strategic approach to planning;
? Inconsistencies between Local Authorities in the level of Planning and Development
? Contributions (PDCs)
? Way leave Processes
? The imposition of mast exclusion zones by Local Authorities.
5.3 ANALYSIS OF BROADBAND IN LEITRIM
Leitrim County Council has established an Internal Working Group to ensure that there is clear mapping
of all broadband available in the county whether that is:
? Fixed line broadband
? Mobile Broadband
? Wireless broadband
? Satellite
? MAN’s
A second element is to provide information on the coverage, indicative costs and company contacts to
all potential users.
Leitrim County Council has in the past carried out two household and business surveys on broadband
usage across the county. The results of these surveys are summarised below:
Summary Output from Leitrim County Council Broadband Surveys
2007 2012
Number of Respondents 1,282 620
% with Broadband 30% 90%
No Broadband - Cost 10% 24%
No Broadband – Not required 30% 32%
No Broadband – Not stated/availability 60% 24%
Have Broadband but unhappy with
service
26% 30%
Unhappy – Speed/bandwidth 51% 33%
Unhappy – Cost 33%
Unhappy - other 16%
Unhappy – reliability/quality of service 29%
The survey in 2012 was carried out as part of the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN)
telecommunications survey. The number of respondents to the survey was lower, likely to be due to less
difficulties with accessing broadband. However there remains significant numbers of respondents
without broadband and some of these are due to not being “required”. This highlights the need for an
awareness campaign for the benefits that broadband can bring to people.
26
5.4 BUSINESS BROADBAND SURVEY REPORT 2014
The roll out of broadband in Ireland has significantly contributed to the establishment of bases here for
many high profile multinationals. While broadband in the urban areas may be of a high quality, the same
cannot be said for areas of the west of Irel and. Poor broadband dramatically affects the ability of the
area in attracting and fostering the business sector. While Next Generation Broadband is being discussed
at a national level, the need for it to be introduced to areas like Leitrim is paramount as the last National
Broadband Scheme did not deliver as promised. A recent survey conducted by the Local Enterprise
Office in Leitrim to its customer base in September 2014 reflects the current level of service on the
ground.
The survey found great variances in levels of broadband speed (both up and down), pricing, quality and a
great variance on providers with many respondents outlining lack of choice when it comes to providers
as only one available in their area. The survey was circulated to 863 clients on the LEO database, with a
response of 230 (26.6%). This would indicate that while many businesses (most probably in the Town
locations/exchange enabled) do not have any broadband grievance, a significant number of businesses,
particularly in rural areas have issues around speed, costs, quality and lack of choice when it comes to
selecting a provider.
The main issues hindering adequate broadband rollout in County Leitrim from the commercial sector are
related to topography, rural environment and lack of population bases where these providers cannot
gain economies of scale. While these factors may hinder providers rolling out the service in the county,
there is still a very strong demand from the many small SME’s operating from home or other rural
destinations as well as from domestic broadband requirements.
The survey asked a range of questions and from the responses given, it is clear that there is a widening
gap in services in the countryside versus the towns. There is no one common provider in the county
which means that customers have to contact multiple suppliers and ascertain who if anyone can provide
the service in their area. This can be a time consuming as well as frustrating challenge as many promise
delivery of service but when it comes to access it may not be possible or of very poor quality.
Looking at the findings of the survey we picked out the main issues as follows;
Download speed
Of the 176 responses, over half of respondents having less than 5Mbpsps with 13% of respondents have
0-1 Mbps, while almost 40% (39.77%) had between 1-5 Mbps. Another 10% responded that they have
10.23% and 5. 11% had 20+ Mbps.
Upload speed
A total of 72.16% of respondents having 5 Mbps or less with 46.59% of respondents have 0-1 Mbps,
while 25.57% have 1-5 Mbps. This means that less than 28% have upload speeds of 5Mbps or more.
27
Broadband provider
There were 175 responses to this question, with the answers ranging among providers as follows;
There were 23 different responses, which indicates that there is no one provider able to service the
whole county satisfactorily. By far the most popular supplier was Eircom with 52 respondents using
them, followed by Vodafone at 30, then ‘Three’ with 22 respondents, O2 with 12 and Ciaracom with 10.
The remaining respondents indicated
that they used the following suppliers;
Sky – 6, Qsat – 2, 3G Mobile -1, Verizon
-1, Net 1 -4, Fastcom – 6, Digiweb – 6,
Imagine - 1
Eurona Brisknet – 1, Groupnet – 3,
Adelphinet – 1, Airspeed Telecom – 1,
Pure – 1, Eurona Arden Broadband – 1,
Ripplecom – 1, Onwave – 1, Eircom
eFiber -1, Eircom – Vodafone – Qsat- 1.
Monthly cost of broadband
There was a wide range of responses to this query from €12.40 - €4,000. However they are grouped into
amounts for the purpose of this report;
It can be seen that of the 142 responses, the majority of respondents, 121(85%) to this question pay €51
or less per month for broadband with 15% paying €51 or more per month.
Quality of broadband
Of the quality of broadband in the area 50% responded poor and only 17.04% indicated that it was very
good/excellent.
0 10 20 30 40 50
€10-€20.99
€21-€30.99
€31- €40.99
€41-€50.99
€51-€60.99
€61-€70.99
€71-€80.99
€81- €90.99
Series1
Eircom
Vodafone
Three
O2
Ciaracom
Sky
Qsat
3G Mobile
Verizon
Net 1
Fastcom
Digiweb
Wimax
Eurona Brisknet
Groupnet
Adelphinet
Airspeed Telecom
Pure
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5.5 FUTURE ACTIONS FOR ENSURING BROADBAND IS AN ENABLER IN LEITRIM’S ECONOMIC
AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Leitrim County Council is committed to the actions
outlined in the National Broadband Strategy for Local
Authorities and aligned with this has developed the
following action responses:
5.5.1 INFRASTRUCTURE RESPONSES
1. Ensure a streamlined process for road-opening
licenses to ensure that there is one contact point who can liaise quickly with the relevant area
office for that area to ensure a quick delivery and turnaround. This may also involve having an
on-line application system which broadband providers would use.
2. Ensure ducting is installed alongside improvements to road network or new housing estates
where feasible.
3. In addition the Council will facilitate, subject to Planning Legislation, the erection of broadband
infrastructure on existing Council sites or structures, provided same will enhance the service
available within the County.
4. Interact with the CCMA to consider a consistent national streamlined approach for the granting
of way leaves.
5.5.2 AWARENESS RESPONSES
5. Have the Broadband Overview Report 2014 available in the following locations:
a. Each library, at Public Computer Section where those less likely to have their own
broadband will avail of it
b. In the LEO office for potential businesses to browse
c. On both the www.leitrim.ie and www.leitrimcoco.ie website
d. In Enterprise centres such as the HIVE, Food Hub and enterprise centres in
Manorhamilton, Ballinamore, Mohill and Drumshanbo
6. To provide an annual induction day for planners and development staff on telecommunication
updates which would ensure staff are up to date on new initiatives and plans for broadband
rollout technology.
5.5.3 BUSINESS AND EDUCATION RESPONSES
7. Through the Local Enterprise Office explore and share opportunities of rural enterprises with
good broadband infrastructure and demonstrate the potential opportunities available to
business, with innovative use of broadband.
29
8. Organise, as part of the schools enterprise competition, a sub-section looking at innovative uses
of broadband and highlight the potential opportunities and awareness to children of school
going age and their families.
9. Work with education providers to increase the range of courses available on-line by allowing
access to Council buildings that have both internet computer and classroom potential.
5.5.4 COMMUNITY INITIATIVE RESPONSES:
10. As part of the new PPN Structure, include information on the Broadband Report in meetings in
each of the Municipal District Areas.
11. As part of the promotion of the report, the libraries will be encouraged to again highlight the
availability of broadband access through the library network (See appendix 1 for details).
5.5.5 STRATEGIC RESPONSES
12. Work with business interests to look more directly at broadband and its potential to act as an
economic development enabler.
13. The issues that have emerged in this report will form part of the Leitrim County Council
Economic Plan and be included in the Local Economic and Community Plan.
14. Coordinate the preparation of a single submission on the National Broadband Action Plan based
upon the feedback and concerns of Elected Members and the Executive.
15. Prioritise engagement with the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources to
ensure Leitrim is sufficiently provided for in the implementation of the National Broadband Plan.
6 CONCLUSION
This Guide to Broadband is designed to inform the reader of the various technologies and terminology
related to broadband, how broadband is provided and service providers through which citizens and
businesses in Leitrim can avail of a broadband service. It further outlines plans for next Generation
Access (NGA) in the county through the commercial sector and the National Broadband Plan where the
Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources will deliver an end-to-end strategy for
the delivery of quality and reliable high speed broadband that includes a major fibre build-out to rural
areas which will not be served by the commercial sector. Finally the guide outlines Leitrim County
Council’s prioritisation of supporting and facilitating where possible the delivery of broadband and Next
Generation Broadband Access to all citizens in the county. It is hoped the Overview Guide will provide a
useful reference to citizens of County Leitrim.
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7 APPENDIX 1: LIBRARY INTERNET ACCESS & P.C.’S AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE
Library Opening Hours Number of Public
Internet Computers
Ballinamore
Monday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 5.30 p.m.
Tuesday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 8.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 5.30 p.m.
Thursday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 8.00 p.m.
Friday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 5.30 p.m.
Saturday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 5.00 p.m.
7 P.C.s
Carrick on Shannon
Monday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Tuesday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Thursday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Friday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Saturday: 11.00 a.m.- 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
5 P.C.s
Drumshanbo
Tuesday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Thursday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Friday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Saturday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
2 P.C.s
Manorhamilton
Monday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Thursday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Friday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Saturday: 9. 45 a.m. - 12. 00 p.m. and 12.30 - 3.15 p.m.
7 P.C.s
Mohill
Tuesday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Thursday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Friday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Saturday: 9.45 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. and 12.30 - 3.15 p.m.
4 P.C.s
Carrigallen
Monday: 1. 30 p.m. - 3.30 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10.45 a.m. - 2.45 p.m. and 3.00 - 5.00 p.m.
Saturday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
2 P.C.s
Dromahair
Tuesday: 12.30 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Friday: 2.30 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
1 P.C.
Kiltyclogher
31
Wednesday: 11.45 a.m. - 4.15 p.m. and 4.30 - 6.00 p.m.
Friday: 1.45 p.m. - 4.15 p.m. and 4.30 - 8.00 p.m.
2 P.C.s
Kinlough
Monday: 5.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Tuesday : 6.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
Friday: 6.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
1 P.C.
8 APPENDIX 2: DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS ENERGY &
NATURAL RESOURCES NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN MAIN PROGRAMME
DELIVERABLES
The main deliverables in relation to the State-led intervention, to which the above workstreams will
form critical inputs, can be summarised as:
A. Public Consultations – this will involve public consultations on various aspects of the proposed
intervention strategy and also the target areas identified under the intervention locations
workstream.
B. Government Approval – this involves seeking and securing Government approval to proceed
with the proposed intervention strategy.
C. State Aid – this involves completion of the State aid process through to approval and will entail
ongoing engagement with the European Commission in the form of pre- and post-notification
discussions.
D. Procurement – this involves identification of an appropriate procurement strategy and
completion of the procurement process as outlined above.
E. Contract Negotiation and Award – this involves contract negotiation with successful bidder(s)
and awarding a contract(s) for the deployment of the State- led intervention.
32
Key workstreams for delivery of the State-led intervention under the National Broadband Plan
High Level Indicative Timelines for Delivery of the Programme Date*
Stakeholder consultation on preliminary outcome of the mapping exercise
(Intervention Locations)
Q4, 2014
Inaugural Workshop (DCENR and all External Advisors) January 2015
Production of Consultation Draft Strategy June 2015
Public consultation on Draft Strategy H1, 2015
EU State aid application H2, 2015
Commence RFT process H2, 2015
Final RFT 2016
Contract negotiation and finalisation 2016
* It should be noted that all timescales are indicative only and may be subject to change and will be
dependent on Government approval where relevant. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources cannot accept responsibility for any change in this timetable. Successful Tenderers will be required
to provide the Services in line with the actual timelines of the Programme as determined by the Minister.
Funding
Programme Director, Programme Managers, Programme Administration and Communications
Legal Support
Ownership Structure
Contract Governance
Award
Procurement Process
Infrastructure Sharing
Contract Negotiation &
Network Design Procurement Strategy
State Aid Compliance
Intervention Locations
Procurement Process
Financial Appraisal
Cost Benefit Analysis
[CBA]
Network Specifications
Intervention Strategy
Procurement Design Network Cost Modelling
State-led Intervention under
the National Broadband
Plan
Planning
Strategy Development Technical Design and
33
9 APPENDIX 3: GLOSSARY OF INTERNET & BROADBAND TERMS
Access Point (AP): An access point both receives and transmits information from a remote
location. A wireless access point (WAP) is a device that allows
wireless communication devices (Laptop or Smartphone) to
connect to a wired network (LAN)
Address: Can mean a couple different things when referring to the Internet. (1)
the location of the Internet server, (2) a specific file or website, (3) an e-
mail user and (4) the location of data within computer storage.
Android: Open-source operating systems to allow users interact with
smartphones and tablet computers.
ADSL:
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - the technology that allows you
to receive broadband using existing telephone lines. It works like a
very fast telephone line that is always connected to the internet. By
converting data more efficiently over a wider frequency range than
a traditional modem, ADSL makes the line much faster.
Advanced Encryption
Standard (AES):
Advanced Encryption Algorithm. This is the de facto encryption standard
for internet purchasing transactions.
Adware: Adware is a type of advertising that pops up on your computer screen
while another program is running. Many believe that adware is unsafe
because it can include certain codes and capabilities that allow personal
information to be tracked and documented without any knowledge of
this occurrence.
Antivirus Software: Software you can download or a program that searches your computer
for known or potential viruses.
Backbone/Backhaul: The part of the telecoms network which carries large amounts of
data between localised base stations and the centre of the
telecommunications or data network. The client never sees this
part of the network.
Bandwidth:
This is the amount of data that can be transferred at speed at any
given time over a connection usually expressed in bits per second
(bps). The larger the bandwidth, the more information that can be sent
in that same period of time.
Base Station: A facility (usually a high site on a mountain or tall building) to house
equipment to deliver wireless services, e.g. mobile phone signals.
Bit: This is a single unit of data — and in broadband terms this means
the unit of transmitted data. A kilobit (Kb) is 1,000 bits. A megabit
(Mb) is 1,000,000 bits.
Broadband: This is a type of technology which allows fast connection speeds
and different channels on a shared line.
Broadband:
Broadband is a faster version of the internet that works at higher
speeds because of an increased bandwidth. Broadband involves a
range of technologies like phone line ADSL, wireless, mobile
technology or satellite.
Broadband Modem: A device that connects your personal computer to the internet. It
codes and decodes the signals that are transmitted over the
broadband line.
Byte: The smallest number of bits that a computer can handle in one
unit. There are eight bits in a byte. The number of bytes in a file
can give you a rough idea as to how long it’s going to take
34
information to download from the internet. Anything over 1MB (a
million bytes) is a large file and will take more time to reach you if
you’re using a slow connection such as a 56kbit/s modem.
Cable Broadband: This is essentially a way of obtaining the int ernet through a fibre-
optic internet connection. It provides quicker and more reliable
service than 3G, 4G or ADSL.
Cable Modem: A cable modem lets you hook up your computer to a cable television line
to receive data at about the same rate as DSL subscribers.
Cache: Content delivery from a geographically closer server for faster arrival on
the user’s screen.
Cat 5/Cat 5e/ Cat 6: An Ethernet network cable type that contains four pairs of copper wire.
It supports Fast Ethernet speeds up to 1000Mbps/1Gbps.
Central Facility: The facility where the local telephone exchange, switch equipment, etc
is located and is often referred to as a PoP (Point of Presence).
Cloud Computing: Cloud computing provides secure computation, software
applications, data access, and storage resources without requiring
cloud users to know the location and other details of the computing
infrastructure. End users access cloud based applications through a
web browser or a light weight desktop or mobile app while the
business software and data are stored securely on servers at a
remote location. Cloud application providers strive to give the same or
better service and performance as if the software programs were
installed locally on end-user computers. Cloud computing requires high
speed and high quality broadband and upload speeds are particularly
important.
Cookie: Information stored on your hard drive about internet preferences or
user history. Each browser stores cookies differently and also can help
user’s track where they have been online.
Co-Lo: An abbreviation of Co-Location and refers to a location on the MAN
where operators can site telecommunications and data equipment.
Connection: Completion of arrangements so that two or more parties can
communicate, whether it is person to person, person to network or
network to network.
Contention Ratio: This refers to the maximum number of users who might be sharing the
resources of a connection such as to the internet at any one time A
contention ratio of 50:1 would mean that the maximum number of
people you could be sharing the connection with at anytime is 49 other
people.
CSS: Stands for cascading style sheet. CSS is a set of standards that are
recommended for presenting certain elements on websites from the
World Wide Web Consortium.
Data: Technical term referring to the information we wish to transmit
across a network.
Data Centre: Facility used to house computer systems and associated
components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.
Dark Fibre: A dark fibre or unlit fibre is an unused optical fibre, available for
use in fibre-optic communication.
Dedicated Line: A dedicated line is like a regular telephone line, except that it is only
35
used by one person or business. It is either owned by the user or leased
from the phone company.
Dial-Up: This is a method of accessing the internet through a dial-up
modem. Much slower than broadband, but was typical for internet
connections during the 1990s.
Digital Subscriber Line
(DSL):
Digital subscriber line, is a family of technologies that provide
internet access by transmitting digital data over the wires of a local
telephone network .DSL lines are capable of supporting services such as
fast Internet access and video or TV on demand.
Download: The transmission of files or information from one system to
another.
Download Limits: This represents the amount of data (in Megabytes or GigaBytes)
that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will let you download each
month without charging additional fees or restricting your access.
Download /Upload: To bring files down from the Internet and put them on your hard
drive so that you can work on them locally (download) or to send
files from your machine to other Internet users (upload).
DSL: Digital subscriber line, is a family of technologies that provide internet
access by transmitting digital data over the wires of a local telephone
network. This type of Internet connection is considered “always on”
because the line remains connected even when not in use.
DSLAM: This stands for Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer. These
are usually located at telephone company exchanges, and the
further away your home is to one, the slower your broadband
connection.
Ducts: The tubes/pipes through which cables are laid/installed
underground.
Dynamic IP Address: An address that is assigned to a computer every time it connects to the
Internet. Unlike a static IP address that will be the same every time the
user logs on, a dynamic IP address is different every time.
E-Business / E-
Commerce:
Stands for electronic business and refers to any kind of sales, services,
purchasing or commerce on the Internet.
E-Mail: Stands for electronic mail. E-mail is one of the most popular uses of the
Internet and it involves transmitting text or images from one computer
to another.
Extranet: A private network that uses Internet technology to make certain
information about a company or organisation available to people with
authorised access from an external point.
Fibre Optic Cable & Fibre
Optic Networks:
A transmission medium that uses glass or plastic fibres rather than
copper wire to transport data or voice signals. The signal is imposed on
the fibres via pulses(modulation) of light from a laser or light-emitting
diode (LED). Because of its high bandwidth and lack of susceptibility of
interference, fibre optic cable is used in high speed, heavy data and
long-haul applications.
Fibre Optic Ring Network: A network built in a ring configuration in order to ensure that, if one
segment of the network is damaged or cut, traffic can be re-routed in
the opposite direction.
FTTB: Fibre to the Business/Buliding
FTTH: Fibre to the Home
FTTP: Fibre to the Premises
36
FTTX: A collective term for various optical fiber connections were the ‘X’ is
categorised according to where the fiber terminates
FTP: FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, and it is known to be the easiest
way of exchanging files on the Internet.
GigE Speeds: Abbreviation for “Gigabit Ethernet” and is used to describe different
technologies for transmitting Ethernet data at a speed of one gigabit per
second. (1Gbps = 1,000 Mbps).
High-Speed dial up: Sometimes referred to as broadband dial-up, this is an Internet service
provider that uses an acceleration server to act as a bridge and requests
the Web page on behalf of the user. By compressing and filtering data,
this dial-up connection can be up to five times faster than regular dial-
up.
High-Speed Internet: Refers to any kind of Internet connection that is not a standard dial -up
connection. Usually faster than 56Kbps and also encompasses
broadband and wireless connections.
Hotspot: A hotspot is a place where computers , tablets and mobile smartphones
with wireless cards can pick up a network signal and get broadband
Internet access.
HSDPA: High Speed Download Package Access. A technology based on the
3G mobile phone network which can support data speeds of up to
7.2 Mbits per second.
HSUPA: High Speed Upload Package Access. This is an evolution of the
HSDPA (HSDPA & HSUPA) standard and allows for faster dat
speeds.
HTTP: Stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is a set of rules for transferring
data that dictates to your server which website you want to view or
download.
Instant Messaging: Allows Internet users to know when others are online and have a real-
time conversation, in the form of a personal chat room interactive
texting. It is more immediate than e-mail and some programs allow for
file sharing.
Internet: The Internet is a system of computer networks that are linked so that
any one computer can get information from another computer in that
system. All of this information is accessible to anyone with an Internet
connection and a computer.
IPTV: This stand for Internet Protocol Television. It refers to the
technology which delivers television through an internet
connection.
A set-top box is required to access this technology, allowing you to
watch television programmes on demand over the internet.
IP Internet Protocol: The method for moving information from one network to another on
the Internet. An IP address uniquely identifies every site on the Internet.
For ease of use, IP addresses are now translated into more meaningful
web addresses (URLs).
ISDN: Stands for Integrated Services Digital Network and provides dial-up
services at up to twice the speed of standard telephone connections.
ISDN has provided a fast-access option in the run up to broadband over
the past few years, but is now expensive and difficult to use by
broadband modem and ADSL standards.
37
ISP: Stands for Internet Service Provider – this is the specific company
which provides your internet service.
JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language of the Web, developed by
Netscape, that is easy to code and useful for writing web pages and how
they are displayed.
Kilobit/Byte: Means about 1,000, or to be exact, 1,024 bits or bytes. A 56Kbit/s
modem runs at a maximum speed of 57,344 bits a second. A 5KB file
contains more than 5,000 bytes of information. You can also have
megabits/bytes (more than a million), gigabits/bytes (more than 100
million) and terabits/bytes (more than 1,000 million).
Kb/s: Stands for kilobits per second and it is a measure of bandwidth. In other
words, how fast information will get from one point to another.
LAN: LAN stands for a local area network, which means that a group of
computers can share an Internet connection, as long as they are close in
proximity within a domain like a home, office, or small group of
buildings.
Landing Page: A landing page is the location a user is directed to or ends up at after
clicking on a link or typing in a command.
Last-Mile Connection: The final segment between an internet service provider’s
Infrastructure and a subscriber location.
Latency Level: The amount of time it takes a voice or data packets to travel from any
point on a network to a remote website or server (and back again).
Measured in milliseconds (ms).
Linux: Linux is an operating system, similar to Windows or Android, and is
designed to provide a lower cost operating system for personal
computer usage, while still holding comparable standards and efficiency.
Local Area Network
(LAN):
A computer network covering a small physical area, , such as a school, or
an airport.
Local Loop: The portion of the network between the customer premise and the
telephone company’s point of presence, also referred to as “the last
mile” or the “local loop” The access network today is primarily twisted-
pair cooper wiring, but can also consist of fibre or may be provisioned
via wireless connections
MAN: Metropolitan Area Network - a telecommunications term used to
describe a network serving a business and residences in an urban
area.
MacOS X: The MacOS X is the newest version of the Apple Macintosh operating
system, version 10.
Mb: This is short for Megabit. A megabit is equal to one million
individual bits. The higher the Mbps (megabits per second), the
faster the internet connection will be.
Mbps or Mb/s: Mega (1 million) bits per second
Microfilter: A small device that plugs into your normal telephone socket and spilts
the line into both a standard telephone socket and an ADSL broadband
socket.
Microwave Radio: Equipment used to transmit between two locations on a line-of-sight
radio path, forming a fixed radio connection between the two points.
38
MiFi MiFi is a brand name used to describe a small wireless router that acts
as mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for computers and tablets and it accesses the
internet over 3G/4G with a SIM card from an ISP
Mobile Broadband: This refers to using your laptop or tablet’s USB connection to get
3G or 4G internet connectivity.
Modem: A modem is a device that transfers data and requests from a computer
to its Internet server and vice versa.
Monthly Cost: How much your internet service will cost every month. However,
some providers may allow you to pay upfront for a years contract
depending on their terms and conditions.
MP3: MP3 is the most common music file format today. MP3s take up a small
amount of space, while still holding a high level of sound quality.
NGA/NGB: Next generation Access/Next Generation Broadband describes a
significant upgrade to the Broadband available by making a step
change in speed and quality of the service. This is typically
thought of as a download speed of 24Mbs plus and a fast upload
speed.
Node: A point of connection on a network.
Patch: A patch is a quick repair for problems relating to the code in programs. A
patch can usually be downloaded and it will fix whatever error is in
place.
Path Diversity: Having multiple routes available to reach a destination.
Point of Presence (POPs): A hub, central point or access point to the Internet provided by
theTelecoms backbone.
Pop-up: A pop-up is a small window that appears on your computer screen. A
pop-up can be initiated by clicking a link or a mouse rollover. Pop-up ads
are advertisements that work in the same way, but are not welcome or
expected by the user.
Protocol: A language that two computers understand, where the sender and
receiver exchange and recognise certain signals such as 'go ahead', 'got
it'. Protocols make the internet work.
Redundancy: Is the quality of systems or elements of a system that are backed
up with secondary resources.
Redundant Wireless
Backhaul:
Traffic that goes from the base station along the backbone and onto the
Internet. We use multiple wireless and wired connections from each
base station to our core so the link is redundant and more reliable.
Remote Data Services: Ability to back up your critical data to a remote facility through a
managed service rather than to local tape drives.
Resilience: The ability to provide a backup service in the event of a disruption
or breakdown.
Router: Routers are devices that are hooked up to a network of computers at
any point where they connect and will send requested information to
another computer in that network or to an external network such as the
internet.
Satellite Broadband: In the case of broadband Internet connections, satellites are used to
gather data and information from an ISP on land and then transmit that
information to a satellite in the atmosphere. It then gets transferred
39
back in the form of uploads and downloads to a receiving premises dish
on land.
Scalability: Refers to the ability of a network to increase total
throughput/speeds to handle the growing needs of a business.
SDSL: Symmetric Digital Line where data can be transmitted at the same
speed both up and down the line. A SDSL line can only be used for
data transmission.
Search Engine: A program that gathers available websites and puts them in a catalogue
based on key words. When a user types in certain key words, the search
engine returns a list of all the sites that it has catalogued.
Server: When referring to the Internet, a server is a program that is in a central
computer and delivers requests for files to other computers that are
logged on.
Service Level Agreements
(SLA)
Part of a service agreement where the level of service is formally
defined and there is a common understanding about services,
priorities, responsibilities, guarantees and warranties.
Spam: Spam is unwanted or unsolicited e-mail that gets distributed to massive
lists of Internet users, usually as part of a marketing or advertising plan.
Sometimes it can be dangerous and contain viruses, but even the simple
junk mail is a problem for almost everyone.
Spamblock: Spamblock is the term for inserting a text segment into an e-mail
address that confuses the program that collects e-mail addresses online.
When the program, assuming it isn’t a person doing the collecting,
comes upon the address with this text, it is no longer a valid e-mail
address and won’t receive the spam.
Spyware: Gathers information about Internet users without their knowledge or
consent and delivers that information to advertisers or others who have
access to the information. Users can get spyware in their systems by
unwittingly downloading certain programs or in the form of a virus.
Streaming: Usually referring to audio or video, streaming allows users to
consume this type of internet content without having to download
the entire file first. This is because the information downloads
while the user views or listens the content, downloading later parts
of the file while they enjoy the earlier parts.
Subscriber Unit (SU): Radio placed on the rooftop of a customer location in order to send and
receive data.
Trojan Horse: A harmful code that can manifest itself into a virus and gets inside your
computer by appearing to be harmless programming.
Tweak: The term, “tweak” refers to small changes made in a computer, such as
an adjustment, to try and make it function correctly or more efficiently.
UAN Number: This is an 8-digit number used to identify phone lines by telecom
providers. You will usually be able to find this number on your
internet or phone service providers’ bill. Its important to have this
number when you switch providers, as it will ensure the telecom
provider can accurately locate your line.
Unlimited Broadband: This refers to having no specific limits on your internet deal about
how much you’re allowed to download during a set amount
of time.
Upload / Upstream: The process of transferring data from the user to the web server.
40
Common examples of up streaming include attaching files to
emails,
uploading images or videos to social media/You Tube accounts etc.
URL: Stands for Uniform Resource Locator. A URL is a distinct address that
locates a specific file on the Internet.
VDSL: VDSL stands for Very High Bit Rate DSL. It is a different type of DSL that
can offer customers up to 100 Mbps downstream and 50 Mbps
upstream.
Video on Demand: Multimedia, interactive video service, where an individual can request a
video or movie to be delivered to them digitally with control options,
such as pause, rewind, fast-forward, etc.
Virtual Private Network
(VPN)
A “virtual network” is created used to connect offices. Users are
able to share information over a public infrastructure but data sent
across the internet is encrypted and protected.
Virus: A virus is a harmful program that replicates itself by getting itself copied
or transmitted to another program or machine. Viruses are effectively
and quickly passed through e-mail usually.
VoD: This stands for video on demand. This allows users to download or
stream video content through an interactive television service.
VOIP / Voice over IP: A method of delivering voice over Internet and data networks.
Refers to the routing of voice conservations through an internet
connection, instead of the traditional phone line method, enabling
internet telephone (and services such as Skype).
Web Browser: A browser is a program that lets users look at and interact with various
applications and files on the Internet. An example of a browser is
Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox or Google Chrome.
Website: The online destination one lands at after entering a specific address in
their browser. Websites generally include a number of different files and
a homepage, that has links to all of the internal files and sometimes
external links as well.
Wide Area Network
(WAN):
A network that covers a broad geographic area across
metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries. WANs are used to
connect LANs and other types of networks together, so that users
and computers in one location can communicate with users and
computers in other locations.
Windows: Windows is a series of graphical interface operating systems
developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft to allow users use and
interact with a computer devices.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is the wireless networking technology that uses radio waves
to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections in
the premises or local area network to devices which are WiFi
enabled. The standard is also widely used for wireless local area
networks in coffee shops and Internet cafes. Wi-Fi has a short
signal range. Broadband companies will often provide a wireless
router to their customers which is often combined as an all-in-one
device including the modem and router for connection to the
internet and allows hard wired device connection in the premises
over cat-5 cabling.
Wireless Broadband
Technology:
This is a technology that connects a home or business to the Internet
using a radio link between the customer’s location and the service
provider’s mast or facility. A fixed wireless internet service is normally
delivered by line-of-sight radio transmission, which is received by a small
41
‘box like’ antenna in or on the users premises. Useful as a method to
economically deliver broadband speeds to people in remote areas
where laying cable would be too expensive.
WiMax: Worldwide Interoperability for microwave access, telecommunication
technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a
variety of ways (similar to Wireless Broadband technology).
WWW: Stands for World Wide Web. It means all of the files, programs,
resources, networks and users that are using HTTP addresses (hypertext
transfer protocol).
XML: Stands for extensible mark-up language. XML is the World Wide Web
Consortium’s (W3C) recommended standard for creating formats and
sharing data on the Web.
3G: Third Generation mobile phone technology that allows faster access
internet services, data transfer services and applications. HSDPA
and HSUPA are 3G broadband technologies, with both
complementing the other. When a mobile dongle, MiFi or USB
modem are used, peak download speeds that reach 21Mb can be
achieved through the two technologies but 6Mbps would be typical
average and upload speeds can reach 1.76Mb.
4G: Fourth generation mobile communications standard are intended to
replace 3G, allowing mobile Internet access at much higher speeds.
Di sclaimer
Leitrim County Council assumes no responsibility for and gi ve no guarant ees, undertakings or warranti es
concerni ng the accuracy, completeness or up-to-date nature of the information provided i n this gui de at
this time and does not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions . The contents
of these pages are provided as an i nformation gui de only. They are intended to enhance public access to
informati on and acti vities of Leitrim County Council. While every effort is made i n prepari ng materi al for
publication, no responsibility is accepted by or on behalf of Leitrim County Council for any errors,
omissions or misleading statements in this guide. Every effort has been made to ensure the reli ability of
informati on here but this cannot be taken as an endorsement of i nformation provided by other part ies or
service providers.
42
10 APPENDIX 4: LEITRIM BROADBAND COVERAGE MAPS
OCTOBER 2014
Jamestown
Drumahaire
Lurganboy
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Drumahaire
Lurganboy
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
RIPPLE BROADBAND COVERAGE MAP
LEGEND
BROADBAND
COVERAGE
Note:
When selecting an internet service provider, the buyer
is advised to review guidance offered by communications
regulator ComReg through the website www.callcosts.ie
which offers practical guidance and price comparisons
on packages offered by various internet service providers.
*DISCLAIMER: Mapping shows indicative indoor coverage as claimed by the provider.
For detailed information on coverage visit service provider's website or contact service provider.
Design Office, Leitrim County Council, Oct 2014
Lurganboy
Jamestown
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
Tullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossinver
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
Gortletteragh
Glencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Drumahaire
Lurganboy
Jamestown
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Drumahaire
Lurganboy
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Drumahaire
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Kiltyclogher
Tullaghan
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Kiltyclogher
Tullaghan
Jamestown
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
ewtowngore
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Kinlough
Rossinver
Manorhamilton
Dromahair
Drumshanbo
Carrick-on-Shannon
Drumsna
Leitrim
Kiltyclogher
Glenfarne
Keshcarrigan
Ballinamore
Mohill
Cloone
Carrigallen
Premises connected to a DSL enabled broadband phone line can avail of the service from the following ISP’s:
Glenade
Glencar
Mullies
Gurteen
Fivemilebourne
Leckaun
Killarga
Tawnylea
Tullycoly
Drumkeeran
Buckode
Glenboy
Lissinagroagh
Coollegreane
East Barrs
Ballinagleragh
Corry
Kilmore
Dowra
Eslinbridge
Garvagh
ghamore
Kilclare
Fenagh
Corriga
Farnaght
nnaghmore
ghavas
Corrawaleen
Derradda
Killygar
Kilbrackan
!ewtowngore
!ational Broadband "lan #ndicative list $%&'
doc_330890690.pdf
Broadband services are crucial to achieve the productivity growth necessary to improve competitiveness, sustain incomes, and ensure Leitrim captures new opportunities for business and jobs across all areas of the County.
1
OVERVIEW ON BROADBAND
SERVICES IN COUNTY LEITRIM
Prepared by Leitrim County Council Int ernal Working Group
OCTOBER 2014
2
Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3
2 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................. 4
3 Broadband Technology ............................................................................................................ 8
3.1 What is Broadband?............................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Broadband Speed ................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Predicable Costs ................................................................................................................ 11
3.4 Download Caps .................................................................................................................. 11
3.5 Reliability of service ........................................................................................................... 11
3.6 Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) ......................................................................... 12
4 Broadband Service in Leitrim .................................................................................................. 13
4.1 Broadband to the County through Backhaul ........................................................................ 13
4.2 Main Broadband Service Types in Leitrim ............................................................................ 14
4.2.1 Landline Broadband .................................................................................................... 14
4.2.2 Mobile Broadband ...................................................................................................... 15
4.2.3 Wireless broadband.................................................................................................... 16
4.2.4 Satellite Broadband .................................................................................................... 17
4.2.5 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).............................................................................. 18
4.3 Leitrim Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN’s)...................................................................... 18
4.3.1 eNet & Connecting to MAN ......................................................................................... 20
5 Leitrim Broadband Improvement............................................................................................ 21
5.1 National Broadband Plan.................................................................................................... 21
5.2 Actions Specific to Local Authorities .................................................................................... 24
5.3 Analysis of Broadband in Leitrim ......................................................................................... 25
5.4 Business Broadband Survey Report 2014............................................................................. 26
5.5 Future Actions for Ensuring Broadband is an Enabler in Leitrim’s Economic and Social
Development ....................................................................................................................... 28
5.5.1 Infrastructure Responses ............................................................................................ 28
5.5.2 Awareness Responses ................................................................................................. 28
5.5.3 Business and Education Responses .............................................................................. 28
5.5.4 Community Initiative Responses: ................................................................................. 29
5.5.5 Strategic Responses .................................................................................................... 29
6 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................ 29
7 Appendix 1: Library Internet Access & P.C.’s available for public use......................................... 30
8 Appendix 2: Department of Communications Energy & Natural Resources National broadband
Plan Main Programme Deliverables ........................................................................................ 31
9 Appendix 3: Glossary of Internet & Broadband Terms .............................................................. 33
10 Appendix 4: Leitrim Broadband Coverage Maps October 2014 ................................................. 42
3
1 INTRODUCTION
Broadband services are crucial to achieve the productivity growth necessary to improve
competitiveness, sustain incomes, and ensure Leitrim captures new opportunities for business and jobs
across all areas of the County. Furthermore it is now seen as a basic requirement for households and
families to assist them with knowledge, education, leisure and overall better quality of life. There is
concern that Leitrim lags behind in the provision of widely available, competitively priced broadband
service access compared to other more urbanised areas and those with which we compete for trade and
investment. The objective of Leitrim County Council is to ensure that the county is well placed to meet
and exceed the telecommunications needs of businesses, institutions and households, to attract new
business, to assist in the expansion of existing businesses and to encourage entrepreneurial start-ups.
This Guide has been developed to help the reader understand what is meant by broadband, provides a
reference of how Leitrim is performing in broadband coverage and to define and outline the various
methods and technologies through which broadband is available in the county. Furthermore the Guide
summarises the current programme of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources to deliver the proposed State-led intervention under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). This
plan outlines the importance of the availability of high quality and reliable broadband to the
achievement of Ireland’s economic and social objectives and what needs to be done to deliver Next
Generation Access (NGA) high speed broadband services across the country. In particular, the plan sets
out commitment to a State-led intervention where it is evident that the commercial sector will not
deliver. The plan envisages that the State-led intervention would provide reliable broadband services at
high speeds (30Mbps download) per subscriber through fibre (or equivalent technology) connectivity
sufficiently close to the user premises. The overarching strategic objective of the intervention is to
ensure that all citizens and businesses have the opportunity to access high speed broadband.
The guide outlines Leitrim County Council’s future actions for ensuring broadband is an enabler in
Leitrim’s economic and social development concluding with a useful set of appendices showing coverage
maps of existing Internet Service Providers in Leitrim and a glossary of internet and broadband terms.
4
2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Broadband connectivity is essentially a high-speed telecommunications link. To put it simply, the word
broadband refers to a form of high speed ‘always on’ connection to the internet. Acceptable broadband
requires sufficient download and upload speeds. The typical industry standard for measuring internet /
broadband access is the download speed which is measured in Mbps meaning Megabits Per Second. The
better the network is, the faster the speed leading to a much greater range of capabilities and services.
Basic broadband is generally considered to be 1-3Mbps while Next Generation Broadband speeds can
range from those delivering up to 24Mbps download speeds to 100Mbps and higher. When it comes to
picking a broadband package from a service provider there are many options available regarding speeds
and data limits. Speed will determine how fast content can be downloaded, whereas the download
allowance will determine how much data in Giga Bytes can be downloaded in a particular billing period.
Depending on how it is planned to use the internet, these two factors are key to ensuring that a
customer does not overpay or underpay for broadband access. Independent and impartial broadband
package comparisons are available on the Commission for Communications Regulation website
www.callcosts.ie.
Broadband connection to County Leitrim is through the Backhaul Network. This is the part of the
network which carries large amounts of data between regional base stations back to the centre of the
telecommunications data network generally through optical fibre. Several companies operate national
fibre optic networks including Eircom, BT Ireland, ESB/Vodafone and UPC Ireland.
There are five main forms of broadband access in Leitrim which currently are:
• The ordinary copper telephone landline, using advanced technologies – ISDN, and ADSL suite of
technologies.
• Mobile phone network Broadband (3G, 4G, HSDPA)
• High-speed radio technology from local hilltop transmitters (wireless broadband).
• Satellite Broadband from space using a specialised satellite dish
• Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) mainly for the business and services sectors in Carrick-On-
Shannon and Manorhamilton
All these technologies have advantages and limitations which are dependent on location, availability,
download speeds, data limits and service provider pricing or package offerings, but because of
population distribution in Leitrim and the topography of the county, consumers in many locations may
currently be restricted to one service provider or broadband technology type to allow them access to
broadband.
There are a lot of factors involved that influence the decision on the choice of an Internet Service
Provider (ISP) but the primary one has to be acceptable coverage in a subscriber’s area. The mapping
detail in appendix 4 shows the ISP’s area of coverage in Leitrim based on known providers as of October
2014. This information is based on the ISP’s coverage as provided by them directly or through their
websites coverage information.
It is generally the consensus that many parts of County Leitrim are not adequately served with
broadband coverage for today’s requirements. The Government is addressing this through the
Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources with the National Broadband Plan, which
is intended to provide Next Generation Access (NGA) broadband in sparsely populated areas that will not
be serviced adequately by the commercial sector. This proposed intervention will involve an end-to-end
strategy for the delivery of quality and reliable high speed broadband that includes a major fibre build-
5
out to rural areas. This intervention will involve the delivery of long term, future proofed infrastructure
build with next generation fibre backhaul infrastructure as the key component underpinning whatever
access technology delivers the service (fixed or wireless). By focusing on a long term, future proofed
infrastructure build with fibre as the key component, the intervention will ensure that the solution
delivered is capable of scaling up to meet future demand and will address current connectivity
challenges particularly in rural areas, in a meaningful and sustainable way. Proposals for funding access
infrastructure in the most remote areas will also be considered, where roll out of next generation
backhaul infrastructure will either be insufficient to stimulate access investment by network operators /
service providers or where the cost of such investment is prohibitive.
A comprehensive mapping process by the Department is underway to definitively assess where the
commercial sector will provide high speed broadband over the coming years. This will also identify those
areas where a State intervention will be necessary. To date, over 1,000 such locations have been
identified as target areas for the proposed fibre based connections. This includes 33 locations in County
Leitrim. This is an initial indicative list of locations to be identified for Next generation Access as part of
the State intervention under the National Broadband Plan. Further locations may be identified as the
mapping process continues. Similarly, it may be determined that some of the locations will be addressed
by the commercial sector and accordingly will not require a State intervention. The mapping exercise will
be published before end of 2014 and will show (a) the areas of planned commercial investment by 2016
and (b) the remaining areas, which will be the focus of the Government’s intervention. A public
consultation will be launched on the maps, and on the technical standards that will apply to the State
intervention.
EU State aid clearance will be required for the intervention once the strategy is finalised. This will be
followed by a detailed procurement process in the second half of 2015 with a view to commencing the
roll out of high speed broadband services as quickly as possible thereafter. In order to comply with State
aid rules, it is proposed that any investment in next generation backhaul infrastructure and, where
appropriate, next generation access (NGA) infrastructure by Government will only take place in areas
where no such infrastructure is deployed or is likely to be deployed commercially in the near future.
In parallel with the NBP, investments by the commercial sector are underway and in some instances
have been accelerated in both fixed line and wireless high speed broadband services. Commercial
operators combined have either invested, or committed to invest, over €2 billion in their Irish networks
which will deliver broadband speeds of 30Mbps to 200Mbps to homes and businesses.
Leitrim County Council has established an Internal Working Group to ensure that there is clear mapping
of all broadband services available in the county. A second element is to provide information on the
coverage, indicative costs and company contacts to all potential users.
The Council continues to examine and strive for improved broadband coverage in the county through;
? Engagement with the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources
? Ongoing interaction with services providers, consumers, and businesses through information
provision, surveys and workshops
? Providing access to broadband terminals and facilities in Council buildings
? Ensuring that broadband development is central to the Council’s Economic Development and
Corporate Plans.
6
Continued initiatives by the Council include:
Infrastructure
1. Ensure a streamlined process for road-opening licenses to ensure that there is one contact point
who can liaise quickly with the relevant area office for that area to ensure a quick delivery and
turnaround. This may also involve having an on-line application system which broadband
providers would use.
2. Ensure ducting is installed alongside improvements to road network or new housing estates
where feasible.
3. In addition the Council will facilitate, subject to Planning Legislation, the erection of broadband
infrastructure on existing Council sites or structures, provided same will enhance the service
available within the County.
4. Interact with the CCMA to consider a consistent national streamlined approach for the granting
of way leaves.
Awareness
5. Have the Broadband Overview Report 2014 available in the following locations:
a. Each library, at public computer section where those less likely to have their own
broadband will avail of it
b. In the LEO office for potential businesses to browse
c. On both the www.leitrim.ie and www.leitrimcoco.ie website
d. In Enterprise centres such as the HIVE, Food Hub and enterprise centres in
Manorhamilton, Ballinamore, Mohill and Drumshanbo
6. Provide an annual induction day for planners and development staff on telecommunication
updates which would ensure staff are up to date on new initiatives and plans for broadband
rollout technology.
Business and Education
7. Through the Local Enterprise Office explore and share opportunities of rural enterprises with
good broadband infrastructure and demonstrate the potential opportunities available to
business, with innovative use of broadband.
8. Organise, as part of the schools enterprise competition, a sub-section looking at innovative uses
of broadband and highlight the potential opportunities and awareness to children of school
going age and their families.
9. Work with education providers to increase the range of courses available on-line by allowing
access to Council buildings that have both internet computer and classroom potential.
Community Initiative
10. As part of the new PPN Structure, include information on the Broadband Report in meetings in
each of the Municipal District Areas.
7
11. As part of the promotion of the report, the libraries will be encouraged to again highlight the
availability of broadband access through the library network (See appendix 1 for details).
Strategic
12. Work with business interests to look more directly at broadband and its potential to act as an
economic development enabler.
13. The issues that have emerged in this report will form part of the Leitrim County Council
Economic Plan and be included in the Local Economic and Community Plan.
14. Coordinate the preparation of a single submission on the National Broadband Action Plan based
upon the feedback and concerns of Elected Members and the Executive.
15. Prioritise engagement with the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources to
ensure Leitrim is sufficiently provided for in the implementation of the National Broadband Plan.
This Guide to Broadband is designed to inform the reader of the various technologies and terminology
related to broadband, how broadband is provided and service providers through which citizens and
businesses in Leitrim can avail of a broadband service. It further outlines plans for next Generation
Access (NGA) in the county through the commercial sector and the National Broadband Plan which
includes a major fibre build-out to rural areas which will not be served by the commercial sector. Fi nally
the guide outlines Leitrim County Council’s prioritisation of supporting and facilitating where possible
the delivery of broadband and Next Generation Broadband Access to all citizens in the county. It is
hoped the Overview Guide will provide a useful reference to citizens of County Leitrim.
8
3 BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY
3.1 WHAT IS BROADBAND?
Broadband connectivity is essentially a high-speed telecommunications link. To
put it simply, the word broadband refers to a form of high speed ‘always on’
connection to the internet. Broadband infrastructure is a transformative
infrastructure, with the capacity to change what people do and the way they do
it. Broadband has enabled innovation, growth and the Information and
Communications Technology industry. New products include online
entertainment and games, while new ways of doing business include online trading and the provision of
services electronically, for example public information services, education and Government.
There are quite a few ways you can connect to broadband—like with a 'fixed line broadband' connection
at home, where you can connect your device to a modem with a cable, or use radio waves to connect
devices with a wireless connection. You can also have a mobile broadband connection—like with a USB
modem which makes a wireless connection to mobile phone towers to give you fast internet. You can
also get broadband through a satellite dish, or on an internet-connected mobile phone.
There are five main forms of broadband access in Leitrim - ADSL broadband (via a telephone landline),
mobile broadband (using the mobile service providers 3G/ 4G/HSDPA signal), wireless broadband from
local hilltop transmitters, satellite broadband from space and for businesses, Metropolitan Area
Networks in Carrick-On-Shannon and Manorhamilton.
3.2 BROADBAND SPEED
The typical industry standard for measuring internet / broadband
access in simple terms is the download speed which is measured
in Mbps meaning Megabits Per Second. This is a measure of data
transfer speed where a megabit is equal to one million bits of
digital information. The minimum capacity for a ‘broadband’
connection, and that most commonly provided, is 3 to 24 Mbps.
Although this capacity is reasonably adequate for many of today’s applications, as we move forward into
the Information Society many customers are already demanding increased bandwidth of 30 Mbps to 50
Mbps,100 Mbps and higher. The better the network is, the faster the speed of data transmission and the
greater the capacities that can be delivered. While there is no definitive definition of next generation
broadband access (NGA or NGB), it does entail higher speeds than basic broadband, which i s generally
considered to be 1-3Mbps. Next generation broadband speeds can range from those delivering up to
24Mbps download speeds to 100Mbps and higher.
Current plans for Broadband in Ireland are for Next Generation Access (NGA) where minimum speed will
be 30Mbps and this is the standard being set by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources under the National Broadband Plan for delivery to all premises in the State.
9
The speed is an important factor to consider as it is evidence of how much information can be received
and sent using your internet connection. The faster your internet connection, the more you can do
simultaneously. There are two key factors that determine how fast your broadband connection is and
they are:
? The connection type: Broadband using state of the art fibre-optics is the quickest available on
the market, while ADSL broadband over existing phone line connections are generally quicker
than mobile broadband connections which is received in areas of 3G / 4G / HSDPA mobile phone
coverage.
? Your location: Generally if you live in an urban area you will most likely have a faster broadband
connection. Additionally, with ADSL broadband and some types of fibre broadband the distance
of your house from the telephone exchange has a bearing on the speed that you can expect.
Service providers generally advertise their broadband internet access speed in Mega Bits Per Second
(Mbps) with many in urban centres offering 50Mbps or 100Mbps. By checking the download speed a
user can easily compare the test result to their broadband pl an's speed and see if they are getting
roughly the service they are paying for. A useful website to measure internet speed is www.speetest.net.
By default Speedtest.net measures your connection download and upload speeds in Mbps.
The speed test measures the most important link in your connection – the link between the user and the
Internet Service provider (ISP) using the server that is geographically closest to you. This piece of the
connection is viewed as the most important in terms of broadband access as this stretch is most likely to
slow your internet speed, since it is difficult and expensive for providers to build connections to every
house and business. No matter how fast your provider's network is your connection will only be as fast
as the last segment of connection between the end-user and the ISP server.
Most service providers configure their connections to favour download speeds over upload speeds,
because there is far more demand for downloading content than uploading. The download speed refers
to the speed at which you download from the internet, for example, downloading music, watching
videos, viewing web pages. However upload speeds are important for uploading files and attachments
particularly for businesses so this needs to be taken into account also. The upload speed relates to the
speed at which information is sent back from computer to internet, for example, when making a Skype
call or for online gaming. The www.speedtest.net website also tests uploads speeds.
For modern internet applications, examples of the speeds needed are as follows:
Skype (source: Skype Support)
? For voice calls: 0.1 Mbps download / 0.1 Mbps upload
? For video calls: 0.5 Mbps download / 0.5 Mbps upload
? For HD video calls: 1.5 Mbps download / 1.5 Mbps upload
An important note: these connection speed requirements include downloading and uploading at the
same time.
Netflix (source: Netflix Help)
? Recommended broadband connection speed: 1.5 Mbps download
? For HD quality: 5.0 Mbps download
10
YouTube (source: YouTube Help)
? Recommended: at least 0.5 Mbps download
YouTube offers several quality levels for videos. The lower numbers (360p) indicate that the video is
smaller and uses less bandwidth, but is also less detailed. The more detailed the video (480p, 720p, or
1080p), the more bandwidth it takes to stream. Choose the highest video quality that allows you to
stream without repeated stops and starts.
Spotify (source: Spotify FAQ)
? Recommended (standard quality on web and desktop, high quality on mobile): 0.15 Mbps
Broadband internet means a fast internet connection, which has surpassed the original “dial up” internet
connection which was much slower. The introduction of broadband has made it possible to watch live
broadcasts over the internet, download music and films much more quickly, as well as do anything a dial
up connection was capable of, only much quicker. However, your location can have an effect on the
maximum speed of your internet connection.
Internet Connection Time Lapse to load
webpage
(seconds)
Average Time to download one
song (mins/seconds)
Video Quality
(Streaming)
56k dial up modem 14 12m30s Very Poor
256k broadband 3 3m Poor
512k broadband 1.6 1m30s Low
1Mb broadband 0.8 41s Watchable
2Mb broadband 0.4 20s Good
4Mb broadband 0.1 5s Good
6Mb broadband Instantly Instantly Excellent
8Mb broadband Instantly Instantly As good as your TV
50Mb broadband Instantly Instantly Instant HD TV
Broadband Speeds and Corresponding Application
s
Source: EU Commission, 2010, European Broadband: investing in digitally driven growth
11
3.3 PREDICABLE COSTS
Broadband also has an impact on cost. Monthly payments are usually fixed at a flat rate, with a generous
maximum download limit. A variety of package offerings from internet service providers generally allow
users pick a competitive package to best suit their needs. Considerable savings can also be made by
subscribing to combined telephone and/or television services, and broadband. For independent and
impartial broadband package comparisons visit the Commission for Communications Regulation website
www.callcosts.ie
3.4 DOWNLOAD CAPS
Internet Service Provider may impose a CAP (download limit) on the amount of data that can be
downloaded in a particular pay period or per the terms of the bundle signed up to. This is generally
measured in GigaBytes (GB)
Not every ISP imposes a limit on how much data you can download with your Internet connection.
Where download limits are imposed, they can range from as little as 4GB per month to 15GB or even as
high as 250Gb per month.
4 gigabytes is about the amount of data that would fit on six CD-ROM's. The following table gives an
example of what download limits mean in simpler terms.
Usage Allowance
(Gb per month)
Number of web pages
(assumi ng 100 ki l obytes of data
per page)
Number of songs
(assumi ng 1 song i s a 5 megabyte
MP3 fi le)
4Gb 42,000 820 (about 80 al bums)
8Gb 84,000 1640 (about 160 al bums)
20Gb 210,000 4100 (about 400 al bums)
No Li mi t No Li mi t No Li mi t
Note: al l fi gures are approxi mate.
Note that ISP’s can allow consumers to exceed their data bundle limits if such exists but additional
charges will apply. It would be very difficult to exceed a download limit just browsing the Web but if you
are going to use your connection to download or stream a lot of audio or video files or to download a lot
of software then download limits will have to be considered. If you spend several hours per day online,
perhaps making use of online radio stations, or online gaming, then it's surprising just how much of a
data allowance will be used.
3.5 RELIABILITY OF SERVICE
Currently, cable or wired broadband is generally viewed as the most reliable form of broadband
connection available. To simplify things, it normally connects into the telecoms enabled cabinet which
should be not too far away from premises. This means that there is less copper wiring required. Landline
ADSL will work as long as the telephone line works. Problems with ADSL broadband connections can
arise when there is too great a distance from premises to the actual phone exchange, or the quality of
the line is poor. In both instances broadband speeds can suffer as a result of these factors. People who
live in more rural locations can experience such difficulties. There are further complexities with how the
actual line is distributed or shared with individual properties.
12
3G/4G/HSDPA mobile broadband connections are only as reliable as a normal mobile phone service. In
other words, it is very good in strong signal areas, but in particular areas and at peak times they can be
subject to a drop in the signal qual ity.
Satellite broadband only needs a clear view of the Southern sky. The primary reason satellite Internet
isn’t as reliable as cable Internet is due to the way it’s delivered (via signal rather than wire). Signals from
satellites can be weakened or blocked by inclement weather and sun spots. Trees, mountains or other
structures can also block your satellite from receiving a signal. Satellite Internet is available almost
everywhere. For those who live in rural areas that are not serviced by a cable or wireless provider,
satellite Internet is the only option for high-speed connection.
Wireless broadband using long-range directional antennae is often used to provide broadband service in
remote or sparsely populated areas .The transmitter must generally have ‘line of sight’ view to the base
station and not be blocked by landscape or high buildings. This technology can be affected by severe
weather.
3.6 CHOOSING AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP)
There are a lot of factors involved that can and should influence your decision to choose an ISP but the
primary one has to be acceptable coverage in your area. The mapping data in appendix 4 shows ISP’s
area of coverage in Leitrim based on known providers as of October 2014. This information is based on
information feedback directly from the providers or included on their respective websites.
When a number of service providers are identified for a particular area the following should be
considered when narrowing the decision to one ISP for the provision of broadband.
Speed How fast do you need your Internet access to be? What access speed can
the ISP provide? Is it consistent?
Reliability How reliable is the service? Are they always available or do they have
frequent down times? Ask people that use this provider about their
experience, either in person or in Newsgroups online.
Price How expensive is the service? Do they have a plan for unlimited access for
one monthly fee? How much is it and how does it compare to other ISPs?
Other Fees Are there any other charges, such as a one-time setup fee?
Bundles Besides the Internet access, what else is on offer? Additions such as
satellite TV or home phone connections may be on offer along with
access to hotspots when on the go.
24/7 Tech Support Do they have Tech Support? If so, when are they available? Monday
through to Friday, 9-5? Or 24 hours, seven days a week? How can you
reach support? By e-mail, phone? Is there a charge for contacting support
such a premium or high rate phone numbers?
Contention Ratio This refers to the maximum number of users who might be sharing the
resources of a connection at any one time A low contention ratio such as
10:1 or 15:1 is desirable but may be more costly.
When selecting an internet service provider, the buyer is advised to review guidance offered by the
Communications regulator ComReg through the website www.callcosts.ie which offers practical
guidance and price comparisons on packages offered by various i nternet service providers.
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4 BROADBAND SERVICE IN LEITRIM
4.1 BROADBAND TO THE COUNTY THROUGH BACKHAUL
Backhaul is the connection over which traffic is carried from a local aggregation node such as a street
cabinet or telephone exchange back to an internet gateway. Backhaul can be provided using different
types of technology with fibre being consistently dominant.
Essentially there are three flavours of backhaul – local, regional and national:
? Local backhaul takes traffic from the primary connection point (PCP), back to a local aggregation
point or node. Typically the PCP will be one of the green street cabinets operated by Eircom,
used as an access point for a communications provider involved in sub-loop unbundling, and the
aggregation point will be the local Eircom exchange.
? Regional backhaul collects traffic from the local aggregation node and delivers it to an
aggregation point where a national backhaul provider has a point of presence (POP). Here it
connects to the national backhaul network. However, aggregation point need not be an Eircom
exchange. Other providers have similar connection points.
? National backhaul takes traffic from the regional aggregation point to a telehouse for internet
breakout and onward delivery to the network. As above, the national link can be provided by
various providers.
The backhaul network needs to have enough capacity to serve aggregated traffic demand from the
entire community it serves. End-users do not all use the network simultaneously but the network should
still be able to handle peak demand.
Sligo
Manorhamilton
Carrick-On-Shannon
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The national Backhaul very high capacity fibre optical networks (telecommunications ‘highways’), used
to transport large quantities of information between the towns and cities of Ireland are shown above.
Telecommunications operators manage these backhaul, or ‘core’ networks.
4.2 MAIN BROADBAND SERVICE TYPES IN LEITRIM
The main methods of accessing the internet in Leitrim currently are:
• The ordinary copper telephone landline, using advanced technologies – ISDN, and ADSL suite of
technologies.
• Mobile phone network Broadband (3G, 4G, HSDPA)
• High-speed radio technology (wireless broadband).
• Satellite Broadband
• MANS (Metropolitan Area Networks) in Carrick-On-Shannon and Manorhamilton
4.2.1 LANDLINE BROADBAND
Initially when the internet emerged homes and businesses accessed
the internet through a dial-up modem connecting their PC to the
phone line and the connection was made on an as needed basis.
Whilst on the internet the telephone was unavailable and speeds were
very slow for internet access.
Technology improvements led to the delivery of telephone line
broadband through what is technically referred to as ADSL
(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). ADSL2+ is an improvement on DSL
technology and offers even higher speed broadband access from traditional ADSL lines. A special device
known as a modem or router is normally supplied by the service provider so that the phone and internet
can be used simultaneously. The modem or router can be connected by a cable directly to the computer
device or as is becoming more common, the router may have a localised wireless capability (WiFi) where
wireless devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones connect wirelessly to the router within the
premises but the internet connection to the router from the outside world is by wire over the telephone
line. This is also what is used in locations, such as airports hotels and cafes where people can access
broadband on a wireless-enabled laptop, tablet or smartphone.
For ADSL to be available to you, your local telephone exchange must be ‘enabled’ by the telecoms
provider. In the event that your local exchange is not enabled, you will be unable to access the internet
over your phone line. The quality of the service is dependent on distance from the exchange (generally
you must be within 3km of the exchange or cabinet) and also the contention ratio which refers to the
maximum number of users who might be sharing the resources of a connection at any one time.
Although you must have a telephone line connected to an enabled exchange, there are many ADSL
Internet providers to choose from, each offering a selection of different packages. A map of exchanges in
Leitrim which are enabled or are planned to be enabled by 2016 is located in Appendix 4.
15
Advantages Limitations
Uses existing telephone wires Distance from exchange effects speed.
Allows faster connection speed. Though there will
always be speed variations, typical speeds of
24Mbps are available to many homes.
Requires a landline phone.
Bundle options - Customers benefit by saving
money, when broadband and calls and potentially
TV are bundled together.
Older phone line technology in some areas can
prevent broadband access.
Download allowances - Broadband deals that come
with unlimited download allowance can be much
more beneficial for heavy internet users. Generally
unlimited broadband is much more widely
available with home broadband deals.
Can be affected by contention ratio.
Price – Competiveness in the market has made
home bundles much better value. However
customers may have to pay a line rental fee, but
this is usually included in the cost of each
broadband package.
4.2.2 MOBILE BROADBAND
Internet access is common on a mobile broadband
connection where a USB modem (dongle) plugs into your
laptop or device and uses mobile phone towers to access
the internet. Smartphones directly display internet and
emails in this way. This is useful if you need the internet
when you're out and about, or if you live in an area with
good mobile phone coverage. Mobile broadband access is provided to customers through a mobile
phone signal, which is 3G or 4G enabled. 3G mobile broadband has been around for some time but
advances in technology mean that 4G mobile broadband – which provides connections speeds up to five
times faster – is becoming more available in Ireland. Both 3G and 4G mobile broadband work by using
technologies called HSDPA and HSUPA. These two technologies complement each other to deliver high
internet speeds to a mobile device, wherever that device is.
Internet access varies from one area to another. In practice, the way that 3G mobile broadband is
transmitted means that the strength of up to 21Mbps are available in certain places, such as town
centres, while in some regions – more commonly rural areas – speeds can be far lower or even
completely non-existent to provide internet access at acceptable speeds.
While 4G offers far higher download and upload speeds, it is transmitted in the same way as 3G so the
same issues of speed variations from one region to another will occur. The rollout of 4G networks in
Ireland has commenced in high population areas. 4G mobile broadband will enable more data to be
transmitted at a much quicker rate, making more efficient use of the existing mobile airwaves than has
ever been managed before. However it remains to be seen if 4G will have widespread availability.
MiFi units, are small wireless portable broadband devices that connect to a 3G or 4G mobile phone
signal through a provided mobile operator SIM card and can then provide a WiFi wireless internet
connection within a radius of 30 meters for up to five devices such as laptops, Smartphone’s and tablets.
This is sometimes referred to as a wireless HotSpot.
16
Advantages Limitations
Can be used on the move. Coverage maybe intermittent.
Some packages very cost effective for voice and
internet on smartphones
More likely to have download limitations (Caps)
where additional costs may be incurred
Flexibility - Easy to install and setup and the
portable nature of mobile modems, including the
likes of dongles and MiFis, which are required for
3G and 4G mobile broadband, mean that you can
connect to the net wherever there's sufficient
mobile phone coverage.
Though 3G mobile broadband will be suitable for
the majority of internet use, when web
applications are more demanding it can seem a
touch slow at times
Easily shared between devices. No additional wires
or cabling necessary.
3G mobile broadband is the most widely used. The
maximum speed of home fixed line connections, if
available, are invariably faster however.
No landline necessary
Providers such as Vodafone, 02, Three, Meteor and
Eircom and Tesco Mobile are investing heavily in
new 4G mobile broadband technology in urban
centres which should have knock-on beneficial
consequences in areas currently only receiving 2G
signals.
4.2.3 WIRELESS BROADBAND
Not to be confused with WiFi which refers to
wireless internet access generally within a
building from a fixed internal wireless router,
wireless broadband is a technology that
connects a home or business to the Internet
using a radio link between the customer’s
location and the service provider’s mast or
facility. A fixed wireless internet service is
normally delivered by line-of-sight radio transmission, which is received by a small ‘box like’ antenna in
or on the users premises. This provides an always-on broadband connection. The transmitter must
generally have ‘line of sight’ view to the base station although this is not a strict rule. This technology
using long-range directional antennae is often used to provide broadband service in remote or sparsely
populated areas where wired broadband is limited or non-existent. Speeds are generally comparable to
ADSL. Several small Wireless Internet Services Providers (WISPs) provide wireless broadband in this
region.
Advantages Limitations
Does not require a landline
Usually has download limit
Cost effective for remote areas
It is generally dependent on line of sight
Easy to install Contention Ratio can slow down access speeds (This refers to the
maximum number of users who might be sharing the resources of
a connection at any one time, a contention ratio of 50:1 would
mean that the maximum number of people you could be sharing
the connection with at anytime is 49 other people.
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4.2.4 SATELLITE BROADBAND
In Leitrim because of topography and demographics many
homes are in a location where broadband access through
mobile, wireless or fixed line broadband is unreliable or
simply unavailable because commercial providers cannot
justify the investment required based on expected returns.
This is why satellite broadband in rural Ireland is a very useful
alternative and is a useful and effective solution in such
circumstances. Available to almost everyone, it provides a
reliable connection to the internet, no matter how remote the location. Just as satellites orbiting the
earth provide necessary links for telephone and television service, they can also provide links for
broadband. Satellite broadband is the best current option for serving remote or sparsely populated
areas.
The major benefit of satellite broadband is that it provides an internet connection to any home.
It is set up in a household through the installation of a satellite dish and it provides speedy internet to
get you online wherever you live. There are no coverage limitations when it comes to satellite
broadband (other than where a home might be closely surrounded by large trees for example) , which
means that the internet is accessible from any location. Occasionally heavy rain and snow can affect
signal quality and very high winds can displace a satellite dish trajectory.
Satellite broadband service is over 180 times faster than dial -up and quicker than many fixed-line ADSL
broadband connections, or 3G connections from the mobile phone networks.
Download speeds reach up to 20Mbps, allowing users to accomplish tasks quickly and efficiently, and
there are also cheaper options available with speeds up to 2Mbps. Downstream and upstream speeds
for satellite broadband depend on several factors, including the provider and service package purchased
or the consumer’s line of sight to the orbiting satellite.
For those with little or no fixed-line broadband, satellite broadband could be the answer, and it’s
available across the county. Details of satellite broadband providers are shown in appendix 4.
Advantages Limitations
Global availability More expensive installation costs
No phone or cable wiring required.
Latency/delay in signal transmission
High Bandwidth for areas with no DSL, Cable etc.
Advances in the technology mean satellite broadband is
constantly improving
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4.2.5 METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a
network of ducting and fibre optic cable laid
within a metropolitan area which can be
used to provide internet and
telecommunications services. MANs enable
telecommunications companies to provide
industry and business with effective ‘always-
on’ high-speed access to the internet. It is
also available for educational institutes,
health and research bodies and private consumers. These are fibre-based and technology neutral
resilient networks, which will ensure adequate future-proofed capacity. This optical fibre cable will give
businesses up to several gigabytes of bandwidth and access to the backhaul network to the international
community.
The MANs operate on an open-access basis meaning that all authorised operators (carriers) can have
access. This model is contrary to traditional operators’ exclusivity of network, and allows for competition
in a way that has not previously happened. For example, in any given MAN town, multiple carriers can
provide high bandwidth services, such as superfast broadband, over the network. The MAN’s will
provide a high bandwidth network that is available to all authorised operators, enabling them to sell high
capacity broadband and telephony services to end users.
4.3 LEITRIM METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORKS (MAN’S)
The MAN service in Leitrim is laid in the urban areas Carrick-On-Shannon and Manorhamilton. The
advantage of having a MAN system in two of Leitrim’s largest towns is the opportunities it provides for
high quality, high speed access for business and premises through a variety of connection types such as
mobile, upgrading of local exchanges (Local Loop Unbundling LLU) and wireless.
Direct Connection To MAN Indirect Connection To MAN
19
Carrick on Shannon
Carriers Connections (Total) Customers
Vodafone Ireland
Groupnet
Magnet
Airspeed Telecom
BT Ireland
Fastcom
13
Government
Education (Schools)
Health
Financial (Banks)
Manafacturing
20
Manorhamilton
Carriers Connections (Total) Customers
AT&T (US Based)
Vodafone Ireland
Plannet 21
Imagine Telecom
BT Ireland
HEAnet
6
Government
Education (Schools)
Health
Financial (Banks)
Manafacturing
Note: Information correct as at 10
th
October 2014.
4.3.1 ENET & CONNECTING TO MAN
eNet is the managed services entity for the Metropolitan Area Network in towns throughout Ireland.
eNet’s role on behalf of the Local Authority and the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural
Resources (DCENR) is to manage, maintain and market the MAN network along with carrying out all
customer connection and extension works. Their remit is to:
? Manage, maintain and market the MANs on behalf of the Irish Government in the knowledge
that the asset always remains in the State’s ownership
? Provide fibre based services to authorised operators on a wholesale basis
21
It is important to note that eNet provides services to authorised operators only. The premises or
company that connects to the MAN, does so via an operator.
If you are an end user, please contact eNet on +353 (0)61 274000 or www.enet.ie to ascertain which
operators are providing on-MAN services in your Leitrim area.
5 LEITRIM BROADBAND IMPROVEMENT
A number of different national broadband programmes
have been put in place over the last ten years, including the
Group Broadband Scheme which was later followed by the
National Broadband Scheme (NBS). Leitrim instigated a
county wide survey of business and home users in order to
inform the areas of the county which should be included in
the NBS. This resulted in a significant increase in the parts
of the county covered under that particular scheme. In the
last two years, Leitrim has worked closely with the Irish Central Boarder Area Network (ICBAN) to survey
what are the needs of business and the area that remained poorly covered.
Leitrim County Council, local communities and business sectors need to remain pro-active both in terms
of adopting to new technologies and raising the awareness of the potential benefits of next generation
technologies as well as being proactive in engaging with any infrastructural roll-outs arising from
national government intervention in the broadband market.
5.1 NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN
The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) outlines the
importance of the availability of high quality and reliable broadband to
the achievement of Ireland’s economic and social objectives. The aim is
to ensure high speed broadband across the country and reflects
Government and European objectives to deliver availability of high
speed services to all citizens.
This proposed intervention will involve an end-to-end strategy for the
delivery of quality and reliable high speed broadband that includes a
major fibre build-out to rural areas. By focusing on a long term, future
proofed infrastructure build with fibre as the key component, the
intervention will ensure that the solution delivered is capable of scaling up to meet future demand and
will address current connectivity challenges in a meaningful and sustainable way. The NBP sets out an
22
ambitious strategy to deliver quality high speed broadband across Ireland and address all areas that
cannot access high speed broadband.
Delivery of the objectives of the Plan is being achieved through a combination of:-
? ensuring the environment is right to maximise investment by the private sector
? State-Led intervention in those areas where it is evident that the commercial sector will not
deliver.
The focus of the NBP is now on a long-term, future-proofed infrastructure build with fibre as the key
component which will enable significant new capabilities to be brought to the market in terms of
broadband service availability, capacity, speeds and competition. The fibre component will underpin
whatever technology delivers the service (fixed or wireless). This solution aims to definitively address
Ireland’s connectivity challenge by removing existing cost barriers preventing commercial operators
from providing high speed services to end users. The fibre will be delivered directly to access points for
homes and businesses, where service providers can utilise the fibre to provide high speed services to
end users. The fibre build-out will also ensure that fibre is deployed to strategic locations on each route
such as schools, business hubs and health facilities. The overarching strategic objective of the
intervention is to ensure that all citizens and businesses have the opportunity to access high speed
broadband.
A comprehensive mapping process is underway to definitively assess where the commercial sector will
provide high speed broadband over the coming years. This will identify those areas where a State
intervention will be necessary.
To date, over 1,000 locations have been identified nationally as target areas for the proposed fibre based
connections. It should be noted that this is an initial indicative list of locations to be connected by fibre
as part of the State intervention under the National Broadband Plan. It is subject to completion of the
comprehensive mapping process currently underway. Further locations may be identified as the
mapping process continues. The maps will show the areas requiring State intervention and the areas
outside of these where the commercial sector have plans in place or already provide Next Generation
Access at download speeds of 30Mbps and accordingly will not require a State intervention. The strategy
will include additional measures to ensure that consumers and businesses can avail of services being
provided off the new fibre network. It is envisaged that telecommunications operators wi ll be able to
offer multiple services from the fibre network, including fixed wireless, copper-based and mobile
services, as well as offering the possibility of direct fibre connections. A “Call for Inputs” consultation
with existing Internet Service Provi ders was published in June 2014, the outcome of which will feed
directly into the mapping exercise. The mapping exercise is continuing and its findings will be published
for public consultation in quarter 4, 2014 when further locations may be identified for State
Intervention.
Intensive design work is continuing with a view to publishing an end to end implementation strategy
together with the outcome of the ongoing mapping exercise which will identify those areas that require
intervention. Further public consultation on the proposed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-
2015. This will include both the proposed Intervention Strategy and the findings of the Mapping
Exercise. (See appendix 2 for work streams and timelines)
In tandem with the NBP, investments by the commercial sector are underway and in some instances
have been accelerated in both fixed line and wireless high speed broadband services. Commercial
operators combined have either invested, or committed to invest, over €2 billion in their Irish networks
23
which will deliver broadband speeds of 30Mbps to 200Mbps to homes and businesses. Investment in
fibre-based networks as well as the roll out of advanced wireless broadband products is ongoing.
ESB and Vodafone recently signed an innovative joint venture agreement to invest €450 million in
building a 100% fibre broadband network offering speeds from 200 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. The combined
companies have stated that Ireland will also become the first country in Europe to utilise existing
electricity infrastructure on a nationwide basis to deploy fibre directly into homes and businesses,
initially reaching 500,000 premises in 50 towns. The fibre will be deployed on ESB’s existing overhead
and underground infrastructure, to roll-out to every county in Ireland. Carrick on Shannon is one of the
50 towns nationwide that will benefit from phase one this initiative. While the ESB and Vodafone joint
venture will build and manage the network, open access will be offered to all telecoms operators in
Ireland on a wholesale basis. This means that other operators can resell the fibre product to their
customers, helping to stimulate the development of new services and boosting retail competition in the
broadband market for consumers and businesses. Also Eircom is rolling out a €400 million investment in
a Next Generation Access Fibre Network that offers speeds of up to 100Mbps. Service is already
available to over 800,000 addresses, wi th planned coverage to reach 1.6 million addresses by 2016.
Mobile operators have launched 4G high speed mobile broadband services following ComReg’s
multiband spectrum auction. There has also been continued investment by all operators in enhancing
and broadening 3G services and network improvements and Fixed Wireless Operators are continuing to
invest in high speed point-to-point wireless broadband.
While the commercial developments are welcome the acceleration of investment is largely contained to
urban areas. In rural areas, however, the Irish average population density is 26 per km2. This means that
there are some areas where it is simply not viable for the commercial sector to provide services. In very
remote areas, the challenge is exacerbated and this will require careful consideration when arriving at
the most optimum intervention strategy for the State-led intervention. Analysis shows that there is a
significant lack of fibre backhaul across many rural areas which, if not addressed at the outset, will make
it impossible to deliver ubiquitous high speed broadband. This further highlights the need for an
appropriate State intervention which addresses the digital divide in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Alongside increased level of market activity, there have been a number of other developments which
make a compelling case for a more long term strategic view of the State intervention. These include:-
? the adoption of revised State Aid Guidelines which envisage the delivery of very high speeds and
now specify a requirement for fibre as close as possible to the end user;
? an increased number of connected devices, users and online services driving exponential
increases in demand for data services;
? emerging trends across Europe and internationally in which Governments are deploying
intervention policies that are long term, involve considerable infrastructure build out and rely
heavily on fibre for both backhaul and, in some instances, the ‘last mile’ access element;
? Government policy, as enunciated in the current eGovernment Strategy which focuses on
increasing the online delivery of public services. Delivery of service in critical areas such as
education and healthcare are also increasingly reliant on digital platforms and high speed
connectivity.
Furthermore with the fibre build-out, the strategy will include measures to respond to aggregated
community demand for services, and the provision of access services in the most remote areas where
fibre rollout may be insufficient to stimulate commercial investment or may be cost-prohibitive.
24
Under the National Broadband Plan proposals for funding access infrastructure in the most remote areas
will also be considered, where roll out of next generation backhaul infrastructure will either be
insufficient to stimulate access investment by network operators / service providers or where the cost of
such investment is prohibitive. In any case, and in order to comply with State aid rules, it is proposed
that any investment in next generation backhaul infrastructure and, where appropriate, next generation
access (NGA) infrastructure by Government will only take place in areas where no such infrastructure is
deployed or is likely to be deployed commercially in the near future.
Considerable progress has been made on the various work streams informing the direction and detail of
the strategy, particularly in the area of mapping, financial and infrastructure modelling and technical
specifications. These work streams are continuing and will be completed over the coming months. A
detailed intervention strategy containing details of all of the proposed elements along with the outcome
of the mapping exercise will be published for public consultation by mid-2015. It is envisaged that an EU
State-Aid application will be submitted in the second half of 2015 as will the detailed procurement
process. Finalisation of the RFT and contract negotiation will be undertaken in 2016 in order to select a
potential preferred bidder(s) and the subsequent roll out commencement of high speed broadband
services.
The indicative list in Leitrim of areas identified as of October 2014 which will require State intervention
for Next Generation Broadband are:
Aghamore
Drumkeeran Kilbrackan
Aghavas
East Barrs Kilclare
Annaghmore
Eslinbridge Killarga
Ballinagleragh
Farnaght Killegar
Buckode
Fenagh Kilmore
Coollegreane
Fivemilebourne Leckaun
Corrawaleen
Garvagh Lissinagroagh
Corriga
Glenade Mullies
Corry
Glenboy Newtown Gore
Derradda
Glencar Tawnylea
Dowra
Gurteen Tullycoly
With recent data from ComReg, the Irish telecoms regulator, showing that 43% of fixed broadband
customers in Ireland receive speeds of less than 10 Mbps, direct access to 100% fibre broadband will
transform the internet experience of small and medium businesses (SME), remote workers and
consumers. This will help areas such as Leitrim to compete more effectively for investment and jobs, and
SMEs to work more efficiently, enhance their online presence and reach new markets and customers.
Consumers will enjoy innovations ranging from home entertainment to e-health and virtual education.
Home working will also become a real option for more people, helping Leitrim to participate in the smart
economy.
5.2 ACTIONS SPECIFIC TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES
In order to achieve the ambitious targets which industry have identified for the rollout of high speed
broadband in Ireland, significant infrastructure works will be required. Fibre to the home or cabinet
(FTTx) and backhaul infrastructure will require road openings and extra civil works while new mobile and
25
fixed wireless technologies will require over 2,000 new installations to be installed across Ireland. The
more efficient and cost effective the various approval systems are for infrastructure build-out, the faster
industry can deliver high speed services to communities.
A number of challenges were identified including:
? A need for a more strategic approach to planning;
? Inconsistencies between Local Authorities in the level of Planning and Development
? Contributions (PDCs)
? Way leave Processes
? The imposition of mast exclusion zones by Local Authorities.
5.3 ANALYSIS OF BROADBAND IN LEITRIM
Leitrim County Council has established an Internal Working Group to ensure that there is clear mapping
of all broadband available in the county whether that is:
? Fixed line broadband
? Mobile Broadband
? Wireless broadband
? Satellite
? MAN’s
A second element is to provide information on the coverage, indicative costs and company contacts to
all potential users.
Leitrim County Council has in the past carried out two household and business surveys on broadband
usage across the county. The results of these surveys are summarised below:
Summary Output from Leitrim County Council Broadband Surveys
2007 2012
Number of Respondents 1,282 620
% with Broadband 30% 90%
No Broadband - Cost 10% 24%
No Broadband – Not required 30% 32%
No Broadband – Not stated/availability 60% 24%
Have Broadband but unhappy with
service
26% 30%
Unhappy – Speed/bandwidth 51% 33%
Unhappy – Cost 33%
Unhappy - other 16%
Unhappy – reliability/quality of service 29%
The survey in 2012 was carried out as part of the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN)
telecommunications survey. The number of respondents to the survey was lower, likely to be due to less
difficulties with accessing broadband. However there remains significant numbers of respondents
without broadband and some of these are due to not being “required”. This highlights the need for an
awareness campaign for the benefits that broadband can bring to people.
26
5.4 BUSINESS BROADBAND SURVEY REPORT 2014
The roll out of broadband in Ireland has significantly contributed to the establishment of bases here for
many high profile multinationals. While broadband in the urban areas may be of a high quality, the same
cannot be said for areas of the west of Irel and. Poor broadband dramatically affects the ability of the
area in attracting and fostering the business sector. While Next Generation Broadband is being discussed
at a national level, the need for it to be introduced to areas like Leitrim is paramount as the last National
Broadband Scheme did not deliver as promised. A recent survey conducted by the Local Enterprise
Office in Leitrim to its customer base in September 2014 reflects the current level of service on the
ground.
The survey found great variances in levels of broadband speed (both up and down), pricing, quality and a
great variance on providers with many respondents outlining lack of choice when it comes to providers
as only one available in their area. The survey was circulated to 863 clients on the LEO database, with a
response of 230 (26.6%). This would indicate that while many businesses (most probably in the Town
locations/exchange enabled) do not have any broadband grievance, a significant number of businesses,
particularly in rural areas have issues around speed, costs, quality and lack of choice when it comes to
selecting a provider.
The main issues hindering adequate broadband rollout in County Leitrim from the commercial sector are
related to topography, rural environment and lack of population bases where these providers cannot
gain economies of scale. While these factors may hinder providers rolling out the service in the county,
there is still a very strong demand from the many small SME’s operating from home or other rural
destinations as well as from domestic broadband requirements.
The survey asked a range of questions and from the responses given, it is clear that there is a widening
gap in services in the countryside versus the towns. There is no one common provider in the county
which means that customers have to contact multiple suppliers and ascertain who if anyone can provide
the service in their area. This can be a time consuming as well as frustrating challenge as many promise
delivery of service but when it comes to access it may not be possible or of very poor quality.
Looking at the findings of the survey we picked out the main issues as follows;
Download speed
Of the 176 responses, over half of respondents having less than 5Mbpsps with 13% of respondents have
0-1 Mbps, while almost 40% (39.77%) had between 1-5 Mbps. Another 10% responded that they have
10.23% and 5. 11% had 20+ Mbps.
Upload speed
A total of 72.16% of respondents having 5 Mbps or less with 46.59% of respondents have 0-1 Mbps,
while 25.57% have 1-5 Mbps. This means that less than 28% have upload speeds of 5Mbps or more.
27
Broadband provider
There were 175 responses to this question, with the answers ranging among providers as follows;
There were 23 different responses, which indicates that there is no one provider able to service the
whole county satisfactorily. By far the most popular supplier was Eircom with 52 respondents using
them, followed by Vodafone at 30, then ‘Three’ with 22 respondents, O2 with 12 and Ciaracom with 10.
The remaining respondents indicated
that they used the following suppliers;
Sky – 6, Qsat – 2, 3G Mobile -1, Verizon
-1, Net 1 -4, Fastcom – 6, Digiweb – 6,
Imagine - 1
Eurona Brisknet – 1, Groupnet – 3,
Adelphinet – 1, Airspeed Telecom – 1,
Pure – 1, Eurona Arden Broadband – 1,
Ripplecom – 1, Onwave – 1, Eircom
eFiber -1, Eircom – Vodafone – Qsat- 1.
Monthly cost of broadband
There was a wide range of responses to this query from €12.40 - €4,000. However they are grouped into
amounts for the purpose of this report;
It can be seen that of the 142 responses, the majority of respondents, 121(85%) to this question pay €51
or less per month for broadband with 15% paying €51 or more per month.
Quality of broadband
Of the quality of broadband in the area 50% responded poor and only 17.04% indicated that it was very
good/excellent.
0 10 20 30 40 50
€10-€20.99
€21-€30.99
€31- €40.99
€41-€50.99
€51-€60.99
€61-€70.99
€71-€80.99
€81- €90.99
Series1
Eircom
Vodafone
Three
O2
Ciaracom
Sky
Qsat
3G Mobile
Verizon
Net 1
Fastcom
Digiweb
Wimax
Eurona Brisknet
Groupnet
Adelphinet
Airspeed Telecom
Pure
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5.5 FUTURE ACTIONS FOR ENSURING BROADBAND IS AN ENABLER IN LEITRIM’S ECONOMIC
AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Leitrim County Council is committed to the actions
outlined in the National Broadband Strategy for Local
Authorities and aligned with this has developed the
following action responses:
5.5.1 INFRASTRUCTURE RESPONSES
1. Ensure a streamlined process for road-opening
licenses to ensure that there is one contact point who can liaise quickly with the relevant area
office for that area to ensure a quick delivery and turnaround. This may also involve having an
on-line application system which broadband providers would use.
2. Ensure ducting is installed alongside improvements to road network or new housing estates
where feasible.
3. In addition the Council will facilitate, subject to Planning Legislation, the erection of broadband
infrastructure on existing Council sites or structures, provided same will enhance the service
available within the County.
4. Interact with the CCMA to consider a consistent national streamlined approach for the granting
of way leaves.
5.5.2 AWARENESS RESPONSES
5. Have the Broadband Overview Report 2014 available in the following locations:
a. Each library, at Public Computer Section where those less likely to have their own
broadband will avail of it
b. In the LEO office for potential businesses to browse
c. On both the www.leitrim.ie and www.leitrimcoco.ie website
d. In Enterprise centres such as the HIVE, Food Hub and enterprise centres in
Manorhamilton, Ballinamore, Mohill and Drumshanbo
6. To provide an annual induction day for planners and development staff on telecommunication
updates which would ensure staff are up to date on new initiatives and plans for broadband
rollout technology.
5.5.3 BUSINESS AND EDUCATION RESPONSES
7. Through the Local Enterprise Office explore and share opportunities of rural enterprises with
good broadband infrastructure and demonstrate the potential opportunities available to
business, with innovative use of broadband.
29
8. Organise, as part of the schools enterprise competition, a sub-section looking at innovative uses
of broadband and highlight the potential opportunities and awareness to children of school
going age and their families.
9. Work with education providers to increase the range of courses available on-line by allowing
access to Council buildings that have both internet computer and classroom potential.
5.5.4 COMMUNITY INITIATIVE RESPONSES:
10. As part of the new PPN Structure, include information on the Broadband Report in meetings in
each of the Municipal District Areas.
11. As part of the promotion of the report, the libraries will be encouraged to again highlight the
availability of broadband access through the library network (See appendix 1 for details).
5.5.5 STRATEGIC RESPONSES
12. Work with business interests to look more directly at broadband and its potential to act as an
economic development enabler.
13. The issues that have emerged in this report will form part of the Leitrim County Council
Economic Plan and be included in the Local Economic and Community Plan.
14. Coordinate the preparation of a single submission on the National Broadband Action Plan based
upon the feedback and concerns of Elected Members and the Executive.
15. Prioritise engagement with the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources to
ensure Leitrim is sufficiently provided for in the implementation of the National Broadband Plan.
6 CONCLUSION
This Guide to Broadband is designed to inform the reader of the various technologies and terminology
related to broadband, how broadband is provided and service providers through which citizens and
businesses in Leitrim can avail of a broadband service. It further outlines plans for next Generation
Access (NGA) in the county through the commercial sector and the National Broadband Plan where the
Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources will deliver an end-to-end strategy for
the delivery of quality and reliable high speed broadband that includes a major fibre build-out to rural
areas which will not be served by the commercial sector. Finally the guide outlines Leitrim County
Council’s prioritisation of supporting and facilitating where possible the delivery of broadband and Next
Generation Broadband Access to all citizens in the county. It is hoped the Overview Guide will provide a
useful reference to citizens of County Leitrim.
30
7 APPENDIX 1: LIBRARY INTERNET ACCESS & P.C.’S AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE
Library Opening Hours Number of Public
Internet Computers
Ballinamore
Monday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 5.30 p.m.
Tuesday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 8.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 5.30 p.m.
Thursday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 8.00 p.m.
Friday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 5.30 p.m.
Saturday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 - 5.00 p.m.
7 P.C.s
Carrick on Shannon
Monday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Tuesday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Thursday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Friday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Saturday: 11.00 a.m.- 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
5 P.C.s
Drumshanbo
Tuesday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Thursday: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Friday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Saturday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
2 P.C.s
Manorhamilton
Monday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Thursday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Friday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Saturday: 9. 45 a.m. - 12. 00 p.m. and 12.30 - 3.15 p.m.
7 P.C.s
Mohill
Tuesday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Thursday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Friday: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Saturday: 9.45 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. and 12.30 - 3.15 p.m.
4 P.C.s
Carrigallen
Monday: 1. 30 p.m. - 3.30 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10.45 a.m. - 2.45 p.m. and 3.00 - 5.00 p.m.
Saturday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
2 P.C.s
Dromahair
Tuesday: 12.30 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Friday: 2.30 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
1 P.C.
Kiltyclogher
31
Wednesday: 11.45 a.m. - 4.15 p.m. and 4.30 - 6.00 p.m.
Friday: 1.45 p.m. - 4.15 p.m. and 4.30 - 8.00 p.m.
2 P.C.s
Kinlough
Monday: 5.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Tuesday : 6.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
Friday: 6.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
1 P.C.
8 APPENDIX 2: DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS ENERGY &
NATURAL RESOURCES NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN MAIN PROGRAMME
DELIVERABLES
The main deliverables in relation to the State-led intervention, to which the above workstreams will
form critical inputs, can be summarised as:
A. Public Consultations – this will involve public consultations on various aspects of the proposed
intervention strategy and also the target areas identified under the intervention locations
workstream.
B. Government Approval – this involves seeking and securing Government approval to proceed
with the proposed intervention strategy.
C. State Aid – this involves completion of the State aid process through to approval and will entail
ongoing engagement with the European Commission in the form of pre- and post-notification
discussions.
D. Procurement – this involves identification of an appropriate procurement strategy and
completion of the procurement process as outlined above.
E. Contract Negotiation and Award – this involves contract negotiation with successful bidder(s)
and awarding a contract(s) for the deployment of the State- led intervention.
32
Key workstreams for delivery of the State-led intervention under the National Broadband Plan
High Level Indicative Timelines for Delivery of the Programme Date*
Stakeholder consultation on preliminary outcome of the mapping exercise
(Intervention Locations)
Q4, 2014
Inaugural Workshop (DCENR and all External Advisors) January 2015
Production of Consultation Draft Strategy June 2015
Public consultation on Draft Strategy H1, 2015
EU State aid application H2, 2015
Commence RFT process H2, 2015
Final RFT 2016
Contract negotiation and finalisation 2016
* It should be noted that all timescales are indicative only and may be subject to change and will be
dependent on Government approval where relevant. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources cannot accept responsibility for any change in this timetable. Successful Tenderers will be required
to provide the Services in line with the actual timelines of the Programme as determined by the Minister.
Funding
Programme Director, Programme Managers, Programme Administration and Communications
Legal Support
Ownership Structure
Contract Governance
Award
Procurement Process
Infrastructure Sharing
Contract Negotiation &
Network Design Procurement Strategy
State Aid Compliance
Intervention Locations
Procurement Process
Financial Appraisal
Cost Benefit Analysis
[CBA]
Network Specifications
Intervention Strategy
Procurement Design Network Cost Modelling
State-led Intervention under
the National Broadband
Plan
Planning
Strategy Development Technical Design and
33
9 APPENDIX 3: GLOSSARY OF INTERNET & BROADBAND TERMS
Access Point (AP): An access point both receives and transmits information from a remote
location. A wireless access point (WAP) is a device that allows
wireless communication devices (Laptop or Smartphone) to
connect to a wired network (LAN)
Address: Can mean a couple different things when referring to the Internet. (1)
the location of the Internet server, (2) a specific file or website, (3) an e-
mail user and (4) the location of data within computer storage.
Android: Open-source operating systems to allow users interact with
smartphones and tablet computers.
ADSL:
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - the technology that allows you
to receive broadband using existing telephone lines. It works like a
very fast telephone line that is always connected to the internet. By
converting data more efficiently over a wider frequency range than
a traditional modem, ADSL makes the line much faster.
Advanced Encryption
Standard (AES):
Advanced Encryption Algorithm. This is the de facto encryption standard
for internet purchasing transactions.
Adware: Adware is a type of advertising that pops up on your computer screen
while another program is running. Many believe that adware is unsafe
because it can include certain codes and capabilities that allow personal
information to be tracked and documented without any knowledge of
this occurrence.
Antivirus Software: Software you can download or a program that searches your computer
for known or potential viruses.
Backbone/Backhaul: The part of the telecoms network which carries large amounts of
data between localised base stations and the centre of the
telecommunications or data network. The client never sees this
part of the network.
Bandwidth:
This is the amount of data that can be transferred at speed at any
given time over a connection usually expressed in bits per second
(bps). The larger the bandwidth, the more information that can be sent
in that same period of time.
Base Station: A facility (usually a high site on a mountain or tall building) to house
equipment to deliver wireless services, e.g. mobile phone signals.
Bit: This is a single unit of data — and in broadband terms this means
the unit of transmitted data. A kilobit (Kb) is 1,000 bits. A megabit
(Mb) is 1,000,000 bits.
Broadband: This is a type of technology which allows fast connection speeds
and different channels on a shared line.
Broadband:
Broadband is a faster version of the internet that works at higher
speeds because of an increased bandwidth. Broadband involves a
range of technologies like phone line ADSL, wireless, mobile
technology or satellite.
Broadband Modem: A device that connects your personal computer to the internet. It
codes and decodes the signals that are transmitted over the
broadband line.
Byte: The smallest number of bits that a computer can handle in one
unit. There are eight bits in a byte. The number of bytes in a file
can give you a rough idea as to how long it’s going to take
34
information to download from the internet. Anything over 1MB (a
million bytes) is a large file and will take more time to reach you if
you’re using a slow connection such as a 56kbit/s modem.
Cable Broadband: This is essentially a way of obtaining the int ernet through a fibre-
optic internet connection. It provides quicker and more reliable
service than 3G, 4G or ADSL.
Cable Modem: A cable modem lets you hook up your computer to a cable television line
to receive data at about the same rate as DSL subscribers.
Cache: Content delivery from a geographically closer server for faster arrival on
the user’s screen.
Cat 5/Cat 5e/ Cat 6: An Ethernet network cable type that contains four pairs of copper wire.
It supports Fast Ethernet speeds up to 1000Mbps/1Gbps.
Central Facility: The facility where the local telephone exchange, switch equipment, etc
is located and is often referred to as a PoP (Point of Presence).
Cloud Computing: Cloud computing provides secure computation, software
applications, data access, and storage resources without requiring
cloud users to know the location and other details of the computing
infrastructure. End users access cloud based applications through a
web browser or a light weight desktop or mobile app while the
business software and data are stored securely on servers at a
remote location. Cloud application providers strive to give the same or
better service and performance as if the software programs were
installed locally on end-user computers. Cloud computing requires high
speed and high quality broadband and upload speeds are particularly
important.
Cookie: Information stored on your hard drive about internet preferences or
user history. Each browser stores cookies differently and also can help
user’s track where they have been online.
Co-Lo: An abbreviation of Co-Location and refers to a location on the MAN
where operators can site telecommunications and data equipment.
Connection: Completion of arrangements so that two or more parties can
communicate, whether it is person to person, person to network or
network to network.
Contention Ratio: This refers to the maximum number of users who might be sharing the
resources of a connection such as to the internet at any one time A
contention ratio of 50:1 would mean that the maximum number of
people you could be sharing the connection with at anytime is 49 other
people.
CSS: Stands for cascading style sheet. CSS is a set of standards that are
recommended for presenting certain elements on websites from the
World Wide Web Consortium.
Data: Technical term referring to the information we wish to transmit
across a network.
Data Centre: Facility used to house computer systems and associated
components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.
Dark Fibre: A dark fibre or unlit fibre is an unused optical fibre, available for
use in fibre-optic communication.
Dedicated Line: A dedicated line is like a regular telephone line, except that it is only
35
used by one person or business. It is either owned by the user or leased
from the phone company.
Dial-Up: This is a method of accessing the internet through a dial-up
modem. Much slower than broadband, but was typical for internet
connections during the 1990s.
Digital Subscriber Line
(DSL):
Digital subscriber line, is a family of technologies that provide
internet access by transmitting digital data over the wires of a local
telephone network .DSL lines are capable of supporting services such as
fast Internet access and video or TV on demand.
Download: The transmission of files or information from one system to
another.
Download Limits: This represents the amount of data (in Megabytes or GigaBytes)
that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will let you download each
month without charging additional fees or restricting your access.
Download /Upload: To bring files down from the Internet and put them on your hard
drive so that you can work on them locally (download) or to send
files from your machine to other Internet users (upload).
DSL: Digital subscriber line, is a family of technologies that provide internet
access by transmitting digital data over the wires of a local telephone
network. This type of Internet connection is considered “always on”
because the line remains connected even when not in use.
DSLAM: This stands for Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer. These
are usually located at telephone company exchanges, and the
further away your home is to one, the slower your broadband
connection.
Ducts: The tubes/pipes through which cables are laid/installed
underground.
Dynamic IP Address: An address that is assigned to a computer every time it connects to the
Internet. Unlike a static IP address that will be the same every time the
user logs on, a dynamic IP address is different every time.
E-Business / E-
Commerce:
Stands for electronic business and refers to any kind of sales, services,
purchasing or commerce on the Internet.
E-Mail: Stands for electronic mail. E-mail is one of the most popular uses of the
Internet and it involves transmitting text or images from one computer
to another.
Extranet: A private network that uses Internet technology to make certain
information about a company or organisation available to people with
authorised access from an external point.
Fibre Optic Cable & Fibre
Optic Networks:
A transmission medium that uses glass or plastic fibres rather than
copper wire to transport data or voice signals. The signal is imposed on
the fibres via pulses(modulation) of light from a laser or light-emitting
diode (LED). Because of its high bandwidth and lack of susceptibility of
interference, fibre optic cable is used in high speed, heavy data and
long-haul applications.
Fibre Optic Ring Network: A network built in a ring configuration in order to ensure that, if one
segment of the network is damaged or cut, traffic can be re-routed in
the opposite direction.
FTTB: Fibre to the Business/Buliding
FTTH: Fibre to the Home
FTTP: Fibre to the Premises
36
FTTX: A collective term for various optical fiber connections were the ‘X’ is
categorised according to where the fiber terminates
FTP: FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, and it is known to be the easiest
way of exchanging files on the Internet.
GigE Speeds: Abbreviation for “Gigabit Ethernet” and is used to describe different
technologies for transmitting Ethernet data at a speed of one gigabit per
second. (1Gbps = 1,000 Mbps).
High-Speed dial up: Sometimes referred to as broadband dial-up, this is an Internet service
provider that uses an acceleration server to act as a bridge and requests
the Web page on behalf of the user. By compressing and filtering data,
this dial-up connection can be up to five times faster than regular dial-
up.
High-Speed Internet: Refers to any kind of Internet connection that is not a standard dial -up
connection. Usually faster than 56Kbps and also encompasses
broadband and wireless connections.
Hotspot: A hotspot is a place where computers , tablets and mobile smartphones
with wireless cards can pick up a network signal and get broadband
Internet access.
HSDPA: High Speed Download Package Access. A technology based on the
3G mobile phone network which can support data speeds of up to
7.2 Mbits per second.
HSUPA: High Speed Upload Package Access. This is an evolution of the
HSDPA (HSDPA & HSUPA) standard and allows for faster dat
speeds.
HTTP: Stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is a set of rules for transferring
data that dictates to your server which website you want to view or
download.
Instant Messaging: Allows Internet users to know when others are online and have a real-
time conversation, in the form of a personal chat room interactive
texting. It is more immediate than e-mail and some programs allow for
file sharing.
Internet: The Internet is a system of computer networks that are linked so that
any one computer can get information from another computer in that
system. All of this information is accessible to anyone with an Internet
connection and a computer.
IPTV: This stand for Internet Protocol Television. It refers to the
technology which delivers television through an internet
connection.
A set-top box is required to access this technology, allowing you to
watch television programmes on demand over the internet.
IP Internet Protocol: The method for moving information from one network to another on
the Internet. An IP address uniquely identifies every site on the Internet.
For ease of use, IP addresses are now translated into more meaningful
web addresses (URLs).
ISDN: Stands for Integrated Services Digital Network and provides dial-up
services at up to twice the speed of standard telephone connections.
ISDN has provided a fast-access option in the run up to broadband over
the past few years, but is now expensive and difficult to use by
broadband modem and ADSL standards.
37
ISP: Stands for Internet Service Provider – this is the specific company
which provides your internet service.
JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language of the Web, developed by
Netscape, that is easy to code and useful for writing web pages and how
they are displayed.
Kilobit/Byte: Means about 1,000, or to be exact, 1,024 bits or bytes. A 56Kbit/s
modem runs at a maximum speed of 57,344 bits a second. A 5KB file
contains more than 5,000 bytes of information. You can also have
megabits/bytes (more than a million), gigabits/bytes (more than 100
million) and terabits/bytes (more than 1,000 million).
Kb/s: Stands for kilobits per second and it is a measure of bandwidth. In other
words, how fast information will get from one point to another.
LAN: LAN stands for a local area network, which means that a group of
computers can share an Internet connection, as long as they are close in
proximity within a domain like a home, office, or small group of
buildings.
Landing Page: A landing page is the location a user is directed to or ends up at after
clicking on a link or typing in a command.
Last-Mile Connection: The final segment between an internet service provider’s
Infrastructure and a subscriber location.
Latency Level: The amount of time it takes a voice or data packets to travel from any
point on a network to a remote website or server (and back again).
Measured in milliseconds (ms).
Linux: Linux is an operating system, similar to Windows or Android, and is
designed to provide a lower cost operating system for personal
computer usage, while still holding comparable standards and efficiency.
Local Area Network
(LAN):
A computer network covering a small physical area, , such as a school, or
an airport.
Local Loop: The portion of the network between the customer premise and the
telephone company’s point of presence, also referred to as “the last
mile” or the “local loop” The access network today is primarily twisted-
pair cooper wiring, but can also consist of fibre or may be provisioned
via wireless connections
MAN: Metropolitan Area Network - a telecommunications term used to
describe a network serving a business and residences in an urban
area.
MacOS X: The MacOS X is the newest version of the Apple Macintosh operating
system, version 10.
Mb: This is short for Megabit. A megabit is equal to one million
individual bits. The higher the Mbps (megabits per second), the
faster the internet connection will be.
Mbps or Mb/s: Mega (1 million) bits per second
Microfilter: A small device that plugs into your normal telephone socket and spilts
the line into both a standard telephone socket and an ADSL broadband
socket.
Microwave Radio: Equipment used to transmit between two locations on a line-of-sight
radio path, forming a fixed radio connection between the two points.
38
MiFi MiFi is a brand name used to describe a small wireless router that acts
as mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for computers and tablets and it accesses the
internet over 3G/4G with a SIM card from an ISP
Mobile Broadband: This refers to using your laptop or tablet’s USB connection to get
3G or 4G internet connectivity.
Modem: A modem is a device that transfers data and requests from a computer
to its Internet server and vice versa.
Monthly Cost: How much your internet service will cost every month. However,
some providers may allow you to pay upfront for a years contract
depending on their terms and conditions.
MP3: MP3 is the most common music file format today. MP3s take up a small
amount of space, while still holding a high level of sound quality.
NGA/NGB: Next generation Access/Next Generation Broadband describes a
significant upgrade to the Broadband available by making a step
change in speed and quality of the service. This is typically
thought of as a download speed of 24Mbs plus and a fast upload
speed.
Node: A point of connection on a network.
Patch: A patch is a quick repair for problems relating to the code in programs. A
patch can usually be downloaded and it will fix whatever error is in
place.
Path Diversity: Having multiple routes available to reach a destination.
Point of Presence (POPs): A hub, central point or access point to the Internet provided by
theTelecoms backbone.
Pop-up: A pop-up is a small window that appears on your computer screen. A
pop-up can be initiated by clicking a link or a mouse rollover. Pop-up ads
are advertisements that work in the same way, but are not welcome or
expected by the user.
Protocol: A language that two computers understand, where the sender and
receiver exchange and recognise certain signals such as 'go ahead', 'got
it'. Protocols make the internet work.
Redundancy: Is the quality of systems or elements of a system that are backed
up with secondary resources.
Redundant Wireless
Backhaul:
Traffic that goes from the base station along the backbone and onto the
Internet. We use multiple wireless and wired connections from each
base station to our core so the link is redundant and more reliable.
Remote Data Services: Ability to back up your critical data to a remote facility through a
managed service rather than to local tape drives.
Resilience: The ability to provide a backup service in the event of a disruption
or breakdown.
Router: Routers are devices that are hooked up to a network of computers at
any point where they connect and will send requested information to
another computer in that network or to an external network such as the
internet.
Satellite Broadband: In the case of broadband Internet connections, satellites are used to
gather data and information from an ISP on land and then transmit that
information to a satellite in the atmosphere. It then gets transferred
39
back in the form of uploads and downloads to a receiving premises dish
on land.
Scalability: Refers to the ability of a network to increase total
throughput/speeds to handle the growing needs of a business.
SDSL: Symmetric Digital Line where data can be transmitted at the same
speed both up and down the line. A SDSL line can only be used for
data transmission.
Search Engine: A program that gathers available websites and puts them in a catalogue
based on key words. When a user types in certain key words, the search
engine returns a list of all the sites that it has catalogued.
Server: When referring to the Internet, a server is a program that is in a central
computer and delivers requests for files to other computers that are
logged on.
Service Level Agreements
(SLA)
Part of a service agreement where the level of service is formally
defined and there is a common understanding about services,
priorities, responsibilities, guarantees and warranties.
Spam: Spam is unwanted or unsolicited e-mail that gets distributed to massive
lists of Internet users, usually as part of a marketing or advertising plan.
Sometimes it can be dangerous and contain viruses, but even the simple
junk mail is a problem for almost everyone.
Spamblock: Spamblock is the term for inserting a text segment into an e-mail
address that confuses the program that collects e-mail addresses online.
When the program, assuming it isn’t a person doing the collecting,
comes upon the address with this text, it is no longer a valid e-mail
address and won’t receive the spam.
Spyware: Gathers information about Internet users without their knowledge or
consent and delivers that information to advertisers or others who have
access to the information. Users can get spyware in their systems by
unwittingly downloading certain programs or in the form of a virus.
Streaming: Usually referring to audio or video, streaming allows users to
consume this type of internet content without having to download
the entire file first. This is because the information downloads
while the user views or listens the content, downloading later parts
of the file while they enjoy the earlier parts.
Subscriber Unit (SU): Radio placed on the rooftop of a customer location in order to send and
receive data.
Trojan Horse: A harmful code that can manifest itself into a virus and gets inside your
computer by appearing to be harmless programming.
Tweak: The term, “tweak” refers to small changes made in a computer, such as
an adjustment, to try and make it function correctly or more efficiently.
UAN Number: This is an 8-digit number used to identify phone lines by telecom
providers. You will usually be able to find this number on your
internet or phone service providers’ bill. Its important to have this
number when you switch providers, as it will ensure the telecom
provider can accurately locate your line.
Unlimited Broadband: This refers to having no specific limits on your internet deal about
how much you’re allowed to download during a set amount
of time.
Upload / Upstream: The process of transferring data from the user to the web server.
40
Common examples of up streaming include attaching files to
emails,
uploading images or videos to social media/You Tube accounts etc.
URL: Stands for Uniform Resource Locator. A URL is a distinct address that
locates a specific file on the Internet.
VDSL: VDSL stands for Very High Bit Rate DSL. It is a different type of DSL that
can offer customers up to 100 Mbps downstream and 50 Mbps
upstream.
Video on Demand: Multimedia, interactive video service, where an individual can request a
video or movie to be delivered to them digitally with control options,
such as pause, rewind, fast-forward, etc.
Virtual Private Network
(VPN)
A “virtual network” is created used to connect offices. Users are
able to share information over a public infrastructure but data sent
across the internet is encrypted and protected.
Virus: A virus is a harmful program that replicates itself by getting itself copied
or transmitted to another program or machine. Viruses are effectively
and quickly passed through e-mail usually.
VoD: This stands for video on demand. This allows users to download or
stream video content through an interactive television service.
VOIP / Voice over IP: A method of delivering voice over Internet and data networks.
Refers to the routing of voice conservations through an internet
connection, instead of the traditional phone line method, enabling
internet telephone (and services such as Skype).
Web Browser: A browser is a program that lets users look at and interact with various
applications and files on the Internet. An example of a browser is
Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox or Google Chrome.
Website: The online destination one lands at after entering a specific address in
their browser. Websites generally include a number of different files and
a homepage, that has links to all of the internal files and sometimes
external links as well.
Wide Area Network
(WAN):
A network that covers a broad geographic area across
metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries. WANs are used to
connect LANs and other types of networks together, so that users
and computers in one location can communicate with users and
computers in other locations.
Windows: Windows is a series of graphical interface operating systems
developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft to allow users use and
interact with a computer devices.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is the wireless networking technology that uses radio waves
to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections in
the premises or local area network to devices which are WiFi
enabled. The standard is also widely used for wireless local area
networks in coffee shops and Internet cafes. Wi-Fi has a short
signal range. Broadband companies will often provide a wireless
router to their customers which is often combined as an all-in-one
device including the modem and router for connection to the
internet and allows hard wired device connection in the premises
over cat-5 cabling.
Wireless Broadband
Technology:
This is a technology that connects a home or business to the Internet
using a radio link between the customer’s location and the service
provider’s mast or facility. A fixed wireless internet service is normally
delivered by line-of-sight radio transmission, which is received by a small
41
‘box like’ antenna in or on the users premises. Useful as a method to
economically deliver broadband speeds to people in remote areas
where laying cable would be too expensive.
WiMax: Worldwide Interoperability for microwave access, telecommunication
technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a
variety of ways (similar to Wireless Broadband technology).
WWW: Stands for World Wide Web. It means all of the files, programs,
resources, networks and users that are using HTTP addresses (hypertext
transfer protocol).
XML: Stands for extensible mark-up language. XML is the World Wide Web
Consortium’s (W3C) recommended standard for creating formats and
sharing data on the Web.
3G: Third Generation mobile phone technology that allows faster access
internet services, data transfer services and applications. HSDPA
and HSUPA are 3G broadband technologies, with both
complementing the other. When a mobile dongle, MiFi or USB
modem are used, peak download speeds that reach 21Mb can be
achieved through the two technologies but 6Mbps would be typical
average and upload speeds can reach 1.76Mb.
4G: Fourth generation mobile communications standard are intended to
replace 3G, allowing mobile Internet access at much higher speeds.
Di sclaimer
Leitrim County Council assumes no responsibility for and gi ve no guarant ees, undertakings or warranti es
concerni ng the accuracy, completeness or up-to-date nature of the information provided i n this gui de at
this time and does not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions . The contents
of these pages are provided as an i nformation gui de only. They are intended to enhance public access to
informati on and acti vities of Leitrim County Council. While every effort is made i n prepari ng materi al for
publication, no responsibility is accepted by or on behalf of Leitrim County Council for any errors,
omissions or misleading statements in this guide. Every effort has been made to ensure the reli ability of
informati on here but this cannot be taken as an endorsement of i nformation provided by other part ies or
service providers.
42
10 APPENDIX 4: LEITRIM BROADBAND COVERAGE MAPS
OCTOBER 2014
Jamestown
Drumahaire
Lurganboy
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Drumahaire
Lurganboy
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
RIPPLE BROADBAND COVERAGE MAP
LEGEND
BROADBAND
COVERAGE
Note:
When selecting an internet service provider, the buyer
is advised to review guidance offered by communications
regulator ComReg through the website www.callcosts.ie
which offers practical guidance and price comparisons
on packages offered by various internet service providers.
*DISCLAIMER: Mapping shows indicative indoor coverage as claimed by the provider.
For detailed information on coverage visit service provider's website or contact service provider.
Design Office, Leitrim County Council, Oct 2014
Lurganboy
Jamestown
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
Tullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossinver
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
Gortletteragh
Glencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Drumahaire
Lurganboy
Jamestown
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Jamestown
Drumahaire
Lurganboy
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Drumahaire
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
Newtowngore
ullaghan
Kiltyclogher
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Kiltyclogher
Tullaghan
Jamestown
Lurganboy
Drumahaire
Kiltyclogher
Tullaghan
Jamestown
Carrick on Shannon
Drumshanbo
Ballinamore
Manorhamilton
Kinlough
Drumkeeran
Mohill
Carrigallen
Drumsna
Roosky
Dromod
Fenagh
ewtowngore
Rossin!er
Killarga
Leitrim
Keshcarrigan
Cloone
"ortletteragh
"lencar
Kinlough
Rossinver
Manorhamilton
Dromahair
Drumshanbo
Carrick-on-Shannon
Drumsna
Leitrim
Kiltyclogher
Glenfarne
Keshcarrigan
Ballinamore
Mohill
Cloone
Carrigallen
Premises connected to a DSL enabled broadband phone line can avail of the service from the following ISP’s:
Glenade
Glencar
Mullies
Gurteen
Fivemilebourne
Leckaun
Killarga
Tawnylea
Tullycoly
Drumkeeran
Buckode
Glenboy
Lissinagroagh
Coollegreane
East Barrs
Ballinagleragh
Corry
Kilmore
Dowra
Eslinbridge
Garvagh
ghamore
Kilclare
Fenagh
Corriga
Farnaght
nnaghmore
ghavas
Corrawaleen
Derradda
Killygar
Kilbrackan
!ewtowngore
!ational Broadband "lan #ndicative list $%&'
doc_330890690.pdf