Broadband Installation: How Do I Get Broadband in Ireland?

A broadband installation is usually carried out by your broadband provider for free and only needs an hour or two! A broadband installation can vary from property to property, depending on where you live and what type of broadband installation you’re getting. In our guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of broadband installations so you know what to expect!

How Do I Get a Broadband Installation?

Whenever you sign up for a new broadband deal, you will usually need to get a broadband installation. Even if you’ve had the latest fibre broadband, if you decided to switch broadband providers or have upgraded your line, you will need to have a broadband engineer come round to help you get set up and installed.

Do I Need an Engineer To Install Broadband?

Unless you have a MiFi or mobile broadband, you will almost always need an engineer to come round and install the router for you. The engineer will need to set up the wires and run tests to make sure that it works properly. They will then be able to confirm when your broadband router will go live.

What Are Steps for a Broadband Installation?

Getting a broadband installation has a number of steps but it’s generally a straightforward process. Here’s a step by step list of what to expect:

1. Sign Up to a Broadband Deal
   First things first you’ll need to sign up to a broadband deal with a broadband provider. Whether you’re switching or signing up for the first time, this is where you’ll start your broadband installation. You’ll also receive a confirmation email after you’ve signed up.
2. Wait for the Router
   After you’ve signed up, you’ll need to wait for the router to arrive in the post. This is usually the case if you’ve contracted a mobile broadband package, though some providers will send you the router before they install it.
3. Schedule Installation
   You’ll either receive a call, text or email from your broadband provider asking you to choose the best time for them to come round and install the broadband router. You’ll usually need to pick an appointment time and make sure you’re around just in case the installation is more complicated.
4. Locate Your Internet Socket
   If you can, try to identify where the internet or ethernet socket is in the house. You might need to move some furniture around in order to make sure your engineer has access to it!
5. Installation
   Next comes the installation. The engineer will come round to your property and begin setting up your broadband and testing the internet speeds. Depending on the type of broadband you’re getting, this could be a few moments to a couple of hours.
6. Go Live
   After the installation, you’ll then need to wait to go live so you can start using your new internet. Your engineer will let you know when this will happen.

What Different Types of Broadband Installations Are There?

Depending on the type of broadband you’ve ordered, you might have a different broadband installation. For most homes in Ireland, you will just need to have your broadband connection connected to the network that is already around your house. However sometimes, it can be more complicated.

What In Store with Each Broadband Installation?

Let’s have a look at the different types of broadband installation and what they require:

• ADSL Broadband
  ADSL is the classic broadband connection and uses an existing home phone line to provide an internet connection. Almost every home will have a phone line for ADSL to be installed.
• Fibre Broadband
  Fibre broadband can either be Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC) or Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP), like SIRO. With FTTC, your fibre connection will reach a cabinet down your street and then will be connected to your home with a copper wire. With FTTP, you will need a fibre cable directly going into your home.
• Mobile Broadband
  Mobile broadband is the easiest to install since you don’t need to have any wires or installations. You just put a SIM card into the device and you’re away!
• Satellite Broadband
  Satellite broadband requires you to have a satellite dish installed. Satellite broadband is ideal for rural areas where fibre cables aren’t able to reach yet.

How Much Does a Broadband Installation Cost?

Broadband installations in Ireland are typically done free of charge by your broadband provider. You’ll usually need to schedule a time for your broadband engineer to come round and set it all up for you, but after that there’s not much to it. That being said, you might encounter some once-off fees especially if you’re having a new line installed or signing up to satellite broadband!

Last Updated: 04/12/2023

How Quick Can I Get a Broadband Installation?

Broadband installations are usually reasonably quick compared to other utilities you might get installed. It ultimately depends on your situation regarding your property since if you have an awkward connection through your house, installing the broadband router can be made more challenging.

How Long Do I Have To Wait for a Broadband Installation?

If you take out a broadband deal with a provider, you’ll always get a 14-day cooling off period to decide whether you want to continue with the deal or not. During this time, your broadband provider may send you your router, but usually the broadband technician will come and install it a few days before you go live.

Do I Go Live the Same Day As the Broadband Installation?

You’ll go live with your broadband deal the day after your cooling off period is over. So if you’ve signed up to a broadband deal, you’ll need to wait until that 14-day period has elapsed. Usually, your broadband will be installed before you go live so you might need to wait a couple of days. On the other hand, your engineer might say that you’re all up and running after they’ve finished!

Do Different Providers Install Broadband Differently?

Generally, most providers will follow the same steps when it comes to installing your broadband. However, some broadband providers have different broadband installation processes which might be worth knowing about beforehand.

What Is the Virgin Media Broadband Installation Process?

While all other providers run Eir's network infrastructure, Virgin Media has its own network and are often available in places where the coverage is poor. This is also true vice versa since not everywhere can get Virgin Media. Virgin Media will charge you a once-off €30 activation fee.

What Is the Eir Broadband Installation Like?

Eir broadband installation is straightforward since they use and operate the line that everyone else besides Virgin Media uses. With an Eir broadband installation, you’ll get an appointment with an Eir technician between the following times:

• Mornings: 9am - 1:30pm
• Afternoons: 12:30pm - 4:30pm
• All-day: 9am - 4:30pm

Eir also has a step by step guide on how you can install a router yourself so you don’t need to wait for a technician to come along. Eir waives its activation fees on Eir bundles.

What About the Sky Broadband Installation?

Sky broadband installations follow the same pattern as Eir. Since they use the same broadband infrastructure, there shouldn't be any problems that are too different. The only difference might be, if you’ve opted for any Sky TV packages, you might have a satellite dish installed along with your broadband. Sky usually charges a €30 activation fee for standalone broadband.