Eir Mobile Broadband Review: Prices and Deals in 2024
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If you are looking for ways to better your broadband connection or keep the kids entertained while on the go, then Eir mobile broadband could be for you. Like the idea of having wifi access almost anywhere? Read on to find out more.
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What Is Eir Mobile Broadband?
Most of us are familiar with the standard home broadband setup; choose a broadband provider, be they Eir, Sky, Vodafone, Three or any other, plug your router into an ethernet outlet, turn it on, and connect your devices to the signal that the router emits.
This is where Eir mobile broadband comes in. Whether you are at the other end of the house, the other end of the country, or on the road, Eir mobile broadband allows you to connect to a broadband service away from home. It does this by using a router-like device equipped with a SIM card to pick up 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G signals (similar to a WiFi dongle), which it then re-emits as a compatible wifi signal through which you can connect your devices.
Why don't I just buy a booster? While WiFi boosters can help to increase the range of your existing local wifi signal, mobile broadband is designed to create a signal, allowing you to get a broadband signal without even having a wifi router, or at a distance from your router that even a booster would fail to cover.
What Eir Mobile Broadband Packages Are Available?
Currently, Eir offers a small range of three packages for those seeking to increase their wifi accessibility. Though this is a small offering, each package offers greatly different options depending on how much data you wish to use, and where you intend to use it.
| Features | Eir Mobile Broadband | 4G Broadband | 5G Broadband |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Limit | 100 Gb Data Limit | No Data Limit | Unlimited 5G Data |
| Network | 4G Enabled | 4G Enabled | 5G and 4G Enabled |
| Device | Free Huawei E5576 4G Hotspot Device | Huawei B628 Device Costs €49 | Dual-band 2.4GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi SSID Device Costs €49 |
| Speeds | Downloads of up to 100 Mbps, Uploads of up to 10 Mbps | Downloads of up to 100 Mbps, Uploads of up to 10 Mbps | Downloads of up to 1 Gbps, Uploads of up to 25 Mbps |
| Price | €19.99 Per Month | €34.99 Per Month | €39.99 Per Month |
| Contract Length | 6 Month Contract | 12 Month Contract | 12 Month Contract |
Source: Eir Mobile Broadband
Last Updated: 13/04/2023
While all of these are designed to be used independently from your home router, the Eir Mobile Broadband plan itself is more specifically designed to be used away from home, with 98% 4G Eir mobile broadband coverage, and 99% population coverage rates across the Republic of Ireland, Eir Mobile broadband has the edge over its closest competitor, Vodafone mobile broadband, who currently cites 90% population coverage.
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Is Eir Mobile Broadband Available to Businesses?
The good news is that it indeed is available to Eir business customers. Eir has two packages available to business customers on their website. Each of these is contracted for a 12 month period, and though classed as “no limits data”, is still subject to fair usage limits.
| Features | 4G Business Broadband | 5G Business Broadband |
|---|---|---|
| Network | 4G Only service | 5G and 4G enabled |
| Device | Huawei B628 router for €40 (ex VAT) | Huawei 5G CPE Pro 3 router for €40 (ex VAT) |
| Price | €29.99 Per Month (ex VAT) | €35.99 Per Month (ex VAT) |
Source: Eir Business Mobile Broadband
Last Update: 13/04/2023
Though this is available in the business section, it only appears to be available to small businesses, with between 1-9 employees or persons accessing Eir Mobile Broadband through the device at any time. Larger businesses are recommended to take advantage of dedicated fixed-line Eir broadband services to ensure that their requirements are met without interruption.
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What Are the Eir Mobile Broadband Pros and Cons?
It can’t be disputed that the more accessibility options you have to access your local broadband provider's network, the better it is for you. Whether the Eir mobile broadband is the right choice for you, however, is another matter. Let’s look at a few quick pros and cons on the subject to help you decide:
What Are the Mobile Broadband Pros?
- Versatility
With mobile broadband, you're able to take your router with you wherever you go. Instead of a traditional router where it needs a wired connection, a mobile broadband is completely portable. - Strong Networks
Though still not as good a wired connection, the wireless networks are getting better and better, and nowadays 5G is just as fast as having an Eir fibre connection. - No Landline Needed
With mobile broadband, you don't need to have a telephone line installed. All you need is the SIM card in the mobile broadband device and you're good to go!
What Are the Mobile Broadband Cons?
- Eir Coverage
The Eir coverage, though one of the best in Ireland, is still fairly patchy when it comes to mobile connections. You should thoroughly research which broadband company has the best coverage in your area before you buy! - Expensive
Mobile broadband can be expensive compared to both normal mobile contracts and wired broadband connections. You might be better off just using your phone's internet connection at home instead. You will also still need to look out for Eir price increases! - High Latency
Mobile broadband can have very high latency meaning the broadband can be very slow at times. You should make sure you're using the best network for your area so make sure you have the fastest speeds possible.
Can I Get Pay As You Go Mobile Broadband?
A further thing to consider, is that the Eir mobile broadband services are currently only available on bill pay. This means that you must set up a monthly payment between your bank and Eir in order to pay for and utilise this service. This direct debit will run for the duration of the six or twelve-month contract.
In addition to this, accessing 4G and 5G services is dependent upon the local network availability, and also your device capability. If you go for the 5G package, but your devices are not 5G capable, then your service will not be able to utilise this service and will be downgraded to the next compatible service, which will likely be 4G.
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What Is the Eir Mobile Broadband Coverage Like?
Though Eir claims to have a total coverage rate of 98%, how can you find out exactly what type of coverage your area has, and what type of signal can you get?
How Do I Know If I Have Good Coverage?
As a rule, if you live in a large city such as Dublin or Cork, and particularly if you live in a central area of said city, you should generally have access to 5G signals, as this is where 5G emitters are most concentrated. If you live on the outskirts of a city, a town, a village, or in the country, then 4G is the most likely signal type to be available to you.
The simplest way you can check which signal type applies to your area is to use the Eir mobile coverage map. This simple map allows you to filter by 5G, 4G, 3G and 2G signal types, and shows you the signal strength across the Republic of Ireland for each category of signal.
Check Out Our Eir Network Down Guide!
How Can I Sign Up for Eir Mobile Broadband?
Those who are looking to take an Eir broadband service will be pleased to know that Eir has established several dedicated lines designed to deal with broadband queries, allowing you to avoid the general queues.
| Department | Contact Number | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Broadband | 1800 303 641 | Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm |
| Business Broadband | 1800 242 556 | Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm |
| Technical Support | 1901 | Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm |
| Overseas Number | +353 1 766 2599 | Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm |
| Web Form | Callback Requests | 24/7 |
Looking for other ways that you can contact Eir about broadband, Eir TV, mobile, or other services? Take a read through our Eir contact guide to learn more about how you can get in touch or use the My Eir login.
Eir Mobile Broadband Frequently Asked Questions
How many devices can these routers support?
- The Huawei E5576 4G Hotspot
Sold with the Eir Mobile Broadband €19.99 package can support up to 16 devices simultaneously.
- The Huawei B62
Sold with the 4G Broadband €29.99 package can support up to 64 devices at once.
- The Huawei 5G CPE Pro 3
Sold with the 5G Broadband €44.99 does not specify how many devices can be handled.
- The Huawei E5576 4G Hotspot
Sold with the Eir Mobile Broadband €19.99 package can support up to 16 devices simultaneously. - The Huawei B62
Sold with the 4G Broadband €29.99 package can support up to 64 devices at once. - The Huawei 5G CPE Pro 3
Sold with the 5G Broadband €44.99 does not specify how many devices can be handled.
Can I use the Eir Mobile devices outside of the Republic of Ireland?
Yes! The Eir Mobile Broadband plan specifically comes with 10.9 Gb of usage allowance for trips abroad
Yes! The Eir Mobile Broadband plan specifically comes with 10.9 Gb of usage allowance for trips abroad
Which Network does Eir use?
Since Eir was once Eircom, it owns most of the infrastructure and has recently invested over €150 million in upgrading its 4G network and overall Eir mobile broadband coverage, along with having the largest 5G network out of all providers in towns and cities.
Since Eir was once Eircom, it owns most of the infrastructure and has recently invested over €150 million in upgrading its 4G network and overall Eir mobile broadband coverage, along with having the largest 5G network out of all providers in towns and cities.
Do I have to be with Eir to use their network?
You do not need to take out any additional services or products other than the Eir mobile broadband to access it. Devices that run on other networks such as Virgin Media or Three can still access wifi via this device.
You do not need to take out any additional services or products other than the Eir mobile broadband to access it. Devices that run on other networks such as Virgin Media or Three can still access wifi via this device.
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