We compare all Irish broadband providers
7+
ISPs compared
All major broadband providers
€29.99
From per month
Cheapest broadband plans
1 Gbps
Top speeds
With fibre connections
Free
Comparison service
Independent, no sign-up
Find the Best Broadband Deal in Your Area!
Our broadband experts at Selectra can help you secure a fast, affordable plan in your area - completely free.
What Is Broadband?
Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that allows you to access the web, stream content, and work from home. Unlike the old dial-up connections, broadband is always on and significantly faster, supporting multiple devices at once.
In Ireland, broadband is available through several technologies including fibre optic, SIRO, DSL (copper phone lines), and wireless (4G/5G). The type available to you depends on your location. Urban areas typically have access to high-speed fibre, while rural areas may rely on the National Broadband Plan or wireless alternatives.
When choosing a broadband plan, consider your household's needs: the number of users, whether you stream video or game online, and whether you need a router upgrade. Our broadband comparison tool helps you find the best plan for your budget and speed requirements.
National Broadband Ireland: How Does It Work?
National Broadband Ireland aims to deliver service to rural areas. Established in March 2020, the National Broadband Plan represents the largest telecommunications project endeavour from the Irish state. The initiative has completed over 22,000 connections with another 108,000 under construction, targeting approximately 544,000 homes and businesses over 25 years.
Is National Broadband Ireland the Only Broadband Installer?
No. Multiple companies operate simultaneous projects including SIRO, FTTH, and WTTX connections.
Broadband Connection Types in Ireland
There are four main broadband connection types available in Ireland, each with different speeds, infrastructure, and availability:
| Type | How It Works | Max Speed | Providers | Landline Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIRO | Fibre-optic cable delivered alongside ESB electricity connections directly to premises. Launched in 2015 by Vodafone and ESB with 9,000+ km of cable laid. | Up to 1 Gbps | 16 retail partners (402,000+ connections) | No |
| FTTH | Fibre-To-The-Home — fibre cables installed directly to your router for the fastest, most reliable connection. | Up to 1 Gbps | Sky, Digiweb, Eir | Yes |
| FTTC | Fibre-To-The-Cabinet — fibre runs to a street cabinet, then copper to your home. Speeds vary as infrastructure is shared with neighbours. | Up to 100 Mbps | Most major ISPs | Yes |
| WTTx | Wireless-To-The-x — uses cellular towers (including 5G) to transmit broadband signals, eliminating the need for cables. | Competitive with cable (5G) | Imagine, Three | No |
Find the Best Broadband Deal in Your Area!
Our broadband experts at Selectra can help you secure a fast, affordable plan in your area - completely free.
Are There Broadband Regulations in Ireland?
Yes. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is Ireland's statutory body responsible for regulating telecommunications, including broadband services. ComReg ensures fair competition, protects consumers, and manages the radio spectrum.
Key consumer protections include the right to switch providers without penalty after your minimum contract term, transparent pricing information, and access to a formal complaints process. If you have an unresolved issue with your broadband provider, you can escalate it to ComReg for resolution.
About Selectra's Broadband Service
Selectra IE opened in 2020 to assist customers with home energy and broadband deals. Our free, independent comparison service helps you find the best broadband plan for your needs and budget. Call our expert team for personalised advice, or use our online tools to compare providers at your own pace.
Founded in 2007 in France, Selectra now operates across 17 countries worldwide. Our team of broadband specialists understands the Irish market and can guide you through the switching process, which typically takes just a few minutes over the phone.