Only one country in the EU pays more for broadband than Ireland

Are you surprised?

Belgium is the only country in the EU that pays more for broadband internet than Ireland, according to a report by the European Commission. The report compiled figures based on data from October 2015, with the average figure for each country covering the cost of broadband, fixed phone lines and TV bundles. According to the report, the monthly cost of broadband in Ireland is €69.20, just €0.70 less than the €69.90 that the average Belgian pays per month for broadband. The quality of broadband in Ireland, particularly in rural areas, has been a hot topic since the General Election earlier this year. With the National Broadband Plan (NBP), the Government “aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland,” saying that “it will ensure that all citizens and businesses have access to high speed broadband no matter where they live or work”. Communications Minister Dennis Naughten said recently that he intends to have a contract or contracts signed to rollout the National Broadband Plan by June 2017.