What Is SIRO?
SIRO, a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone launched in 2015, utilizes the existing electricity network to deliver fibre cables directly to homes. The service provides 100% fibre or FTTP (Fibre To The Premises) with speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps, and even 2 Gbps in some locations. SIRO was Ireland's first 100% fibre network, having deployed over 10,404 kilometres of fibre through 20 retail partners, reaching approximately 450,000 properties with expansion plans to 770,000.
How Does SIRO Broadband Work?
SIRO uses fibre-optic cable technology. The distinguishing factor is that SIRO only offers FTTP as standard, whereas competitors primarily offer FTTC. This eliminates copper connections, enabling faster speeds and more stable service with reduced connection difficulties and speed variations. While most providers share networks, SIRO operates its own infrastructure alongside Virgin Media.
Is SIRO Broadband Better Than Fibre Broadband?
SIRO Advantages:
- FTTP technology delivers faster, more stable connections
- Established, reliable network operators
- Smaller network still under development
- Limited provider selection
Traditional Fibre Advantages:
- Wider provider selection supporting FTTC
- Established, accessible network
- FTTC connections result in slower speeds than SIRO
- Expensive, lengthy installations
Overall, SIRO provides faster speed and more stable connection, though the network is not yet widespread.
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How Many Devices Can I Use at Once on My SIRO Broadband?
| Internet Activity | Speed Required |
|---|---|
| Sending email | 1 Mbps |
| Social Media Activity | 1-5 Mbps |
| Listen to music (Spotify) | 2 Mbps |
| Watch a movie in HD | 5 Mbps |
| Online gaming (Call of Duty, Fortnite, etc) | At least 10 Mbps |
With 1 Gbps SIRO broadband, multiple simultaneous users streaming or gaming should experience no performance degradation. Work-from-home requires 25 Mbps for data-intensive tasks; 10 Mbps suffices for lighter duties.
How Is SIRO Installed?
- Survey - Engineer surveys property and lays fibre cables overhead or underground alongside existing ESB infrastructure
- Installation - Fibre arrives at external ESB meter box; external connector box and internal modem installed
- Testing - Engineer tests speeds and connection before departure
Timeline: up to two weeks overall, with on-site SIRO installation taking up to four hours.
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Which Providers Offer SIRO?
SIRO itself provides no direct consumer contracts. Instead, services distribute through approved broadband providers. The Commission for Communications Regulation (Comreg) continues approving additional providers.
| Provider | Package | Cost | Speeds | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Telecom | Premium Speed | €35/month (then €55) | Up to 500Mbps | 12 months |
| Vodafone | 500 Fibre Broadband | €40 | Up to 500Mbps | 12 months |
| Vodafone | 1000 Fibre Broadband | €50 | Up to 1Gbps | 12 months |
| Sky | Ultrafast | €30 | Up to 500Mbps | 12 months |
| Sky | Ultrafast+ | €40 | Up to 1Gbps | 12 months |
| Digiweb | SIRO Gigabit Broadband | €39.95 | Up to 1Gbps | 12 Months |
| Kerry Broadband | SIRO 1000 | €65 | Up to 1Gbps | 12 Months |
| Rocket Broadband | SIRO 500 | €45 | Up to 500Mbps | 12 months |
| Rocket Broadband | SIRO 1000 | €55 | Up to 1Gbps | 12 months |
| Fastcom | 500 | €60 | Up to 500Mbps | 12 months |
| Fastcom | 1000 | €65 | Up to 1Gbps | 12 months |
Who Has the Best SIRO Broadband Prices?
Fibre itself is a premium service, with installation and activation fees ranging up to €150. A 2 Gbps service has also recently been launched in Kilkenny, with rollout expectations continuing through 2023-2024.
Where Is SIRO Broadband Available?
SIRO Ireland provides an easy-to-use eircode checker facility and rollout map at siro.ie, identifying serviceable towns and planned deployment areas.
Is SIRO broadband fibre?
SIRO constitutes a fibre type, with the primary distinction being delivery method - SIRO is only available as FTTP.
Do I Need a Phone Line to Use SIRO?
No, SIRO operates independently from telephone lines.
Should I contact SIRO or their approved network provider?
SIRO provides no direct broadband contracts; contact your broadband provider for service queries. SIRO itself handles network deployment questions via email.
Is SIRO broadband any good?
User experiences vary. SIRO's Trustpilot page shows a rating of 2.4 out of 5, from 37 reviews, with complaints regarding slow response times, and mixed communication quality.
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Is SIRO Broadband Available to Business Customers?
Yes, business customers can access SIRO broadband, though options remain limited. Pricing requires direct provider contact via phone, email, or contact forms.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIRO
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