Satellite Broadband Ireland (SBI) will sell broadband services delivered by Eutelsat’s KA-SAT under a 3-year contract. Eutelsat’s Tooway satellite broadband service offers download speeds of up to 10 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 4 Mbps. SBI will start to deliver the service in Ireland and plans to expand across Europe.
Eutelsat’s KA-SAT satellite was launched in December 2010 and is on track to enter into full commercial service in May 2011. KA-SAT’s approach is based on next-generation two-way wireless Ka-band spotbeam technology.
“To build an inclusive digital environment in Ireland, it is vital that broadband is accessible to as many of the 367,000 rural homes as possible,” said Kevin Ryan, SBI Chief Executive. “As a result of this partnership with Eutelsat, our customers will be guaranteed access to the fastest and most reliable satellite broadband service at the lowest possible price, with all packages competitively priced.” Ryan continued by stating that “We are the only satellite data provider in Ireland giving an Irish IP address as standard, which is vital for accessing websites such as RTE iPlayer. This unique contract also consolidates SBI’s position as the premier provider of satellite broadband services to homes and businesses in Ireland and, along with an additional EUR1m investment in our own services and facilities, will allow us to expand into additional territories across Europe, such as the UK.”http://www.satellitebroadbandireland.iehttp://www.eutelsat.com
