27th September 2013, Friday
By Bryan T. Smyth
news@TheCork.ie
bryan@TheCork.ie
eircom Group has launched Ireland’s first 4G mobile service offering
“superfast mobile data speeds that are up to 10 times faster than
previously available”. Users can expect peak speeds will reach between
20 to 25Mbps, and in technical trials the operator has clocked speeds
of more than 60Mbps.
Consumers will now be able to stream or download video content faster,
upload content to social media almost instantaneously and business
users will experience significantly enhanced web browsing, email and
video streaming.
Underpinned by a €330 million investment commitment over five years,
4G is now available from Meteor and eMobile as part of both bundled
and standalone offerings.
The service is now live in Dublin, Carlow and Athlone, providing
service to 1.2 million customers, almost 30% of the population.
Over the coming weeks, rollout will continue to other key urban areas
including Cork, Galway and Limerick. By the end of December 2013, 43%
of the population will have 4G service.
Commenting on the announcement, Herb Hribar, eircom Group CEO, said
“As Ireland’s largest telecommunications provider, I am delighted that
we have delivered the country’s first 4G mobile network. This
technology will transform the mobile user experience in Ireland. Our
vision is to provide seamless access to high speed broadband across
Ireland using both fixed and mobile technologies.
“Using recently acquired 4G spectrum, we have fast tracked our network
investment to ensure that we are the first provider to offer customers
this significantly improved mobile broadband experience, underlying
our commitment to the country to provide top-class telecommunications
infrastructure and our commitment to customers to provide a quality
service that offers real value,” he continued
There will be no price premium charged for 4G services provided by
Meteor and eMobile. To encourage customers to see just how fast the
service is for themselves, 4G users have access to free unlimited 4G
data until March 2014.
Customers can choose from 19 handsets at launch. 4G MiFi devices,
dongles and mobile broadband solutions are also available so customers
can take the internet with them, connect multiple devices and enjoy
great 4G speeds.
Consumers and business customers will require a 4G handset or device
and a 4G SIM card to avail of the service and can choose from a range
of post pay tariffs either as part of a bundle or as a standalone
mobile offer. They include:
The Meteor Smart Essential plan available from only €49 per month,
includes unlimited calls and texts, plus 3GB monthly data allowance,
and 4G phones from free. 4G data is unlimited and free until March
2014.
The eircom Bundle with eMobile Unlimited Data for €69 per month for
new customers, which includes 4G mobile, superfast eFibre and home
phone. Existing eircom customers can add 4G mobile for as little as
€24 per month for the first six months. This also includes unlimited
4G data until March 2014.
Business customers can choose an eircom business bundle from €60 ex
VAT per month that includes 4G mobile, eFibre superfast broadband and
a fixed line. Business customers have unlimited 4G data until March
2014.
eMobile’s Business Unlimited plan with a free 4G smartphone is €30 ex
VAT with unlimited calls and texts and 15GB of data. This also
contains unlimited 4G data until March 2014.