Ireland’s largest fixed line telco, Eircom, has issued a press release announcing the launch of its wholesale Next Generation Ethernet services. The new product enables telecom operators to offer Ethernet connectivity to SMEs and corporates nationwide over the Eircom network, and provides connectivity at speeds of between 10Mbps and 1Gbps. Eircom has invested EUR100 million (USD127 million) to cover 500 exchanges in regions including Youghal, Mullingar, Enniscorthy, Drogheda, Kilkenny and dozens of other provincial towns to date, with plans to add additional exchanges into 2011.
Commenting on the announcement, John McKeon, managing director, Eircom Wholesale said: ‘We have repeatedly said that the Eircom network infrastructure is open for business to all operators … NGN Ethernet, coupled with our NGN Wholesale Broadband service which we launched in March for the home user market, are two very significant and important steps for the Eircom Wholesale division.’
TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database records that the former monopoly controls more than two-thirds of Ireland’s wireline market by fixed line market share, has a lion’s share of the data markets, and has been awarded significant market player (SMP) status accordingly. Its traditional fixed line business provides national and international voice and data communications for both residential and business sectors, and the wholesale carriers’ markets. Its portfolio includes carrier services, data communications and internet access. CommsUpdate also reported earlier this month that Eircom plans to launch a new ‘Eircom mobile’ branded service later this year over the network of its subsidiary Meteor.