County Limerick Gets Connected

The local authority’s Water Services Section recently entered a licence agreement with Ice Broadband allowing access to Council owned water towers to install broadband equipment.

Minister of State Peter Power this week launched the telecommunications company’s wireless broadband service, which is expected to be fully available throughout the county by the end of June.

Limerick County Council first mooted its plan to establish countywide broadband service in March 2007 when it invited submissions from broadband providers interested in using its network of 55 water towers to transmit wireless signals.

A Limerick County Council spokesperson stated, "This is part of a pilot initiative by Limerick County Council and Ice Broadband to improve broadband coverage in the county and particularly in rural areas that have limited or no service."

"With the final installation of equipment scheduled for the end of June it is hoped that these wireless broadband services will be available throughout the county", the spokesperson added.

Speaking in Limerick at the launch of Ice Broadband’s 100% coverage service for Limerick county and city, company Chairman Fran Rooney said local authorities across the country should follow Limerick’s example, taking the initiative and working closely with companies that can provide immediate wireless solutions.

"We can offer 100% coverage for the whole Limerick region because of the support of Limerick County Council and I would urge other local authorities to adopt a similar approach. As county councils know, the provision of quality broadband is essential for the development of businesses and jobs in their communities, and could place Ireland as the broadband leader in Europe," he said.

Ice Broadband is also offering a range of products to customers including a group discount for members of sports clubs and voluntary organisations that sign up to their services.

Further information is available on www.icebroadband.com

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Notes to Editor:
For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)