With the world becoming more digitally connected every day, the demand for faster, more reliable internet has never been higher. Here in Ireland, the National Broadband Plan (NBP) rollout continues at pace, with NBI’s committed teams laying down the necessary infrastructure to deliver high-speed fibre broadband to over half a million Irish homes, farms, schools and businesses.
Though it’s an exciting and innovative project, we also understand that one of the primary concerns Irish customers have when it comes to fibre broadband is the perceived cost associated with upgrading. Those concerns, coupled with complicated jargon often associated with broadband services, can leave customers feeling confused and frustrated. With that in mind, we’re addressing the main queries we know you have around fibre broadband costs. Some of the elements are fairly complicated, but we’ll do our best to simplify them, so you can find the best deal to suit your unique requirements.
Why is Fibre Worth Investing In?
A great place to start. Why consider fibre at all? Well, when making your decision to upgrade, it’s important to consider the long-term value for money this type of service offers. Fibre-optic technology is known for its reliability and stability, meaning fewer service interruptions and a consistently high-quality connection. Faster internet speeds mean increased productivity if you regularly work from home; think uninterrupted video conferencing and nifty file upload speeds. You’ll also enjoy seamless streaming and lag-free gaming. These benefits result in an overall improved online experience that justifies your initial investment.
Why Shouldn’t I Stick with a Traditional Broadband Service?
Traditional broadband is installed when a service provider brings copper or cable wires into your home or attaches an antenna to your property. These speeds are varied; some suppliers are able to offer high-speed connections in certain places.
However, though it’s widely available, it’s not as fast as fibre, and isn’t always as speedy when it comes to uploading content (good to know if you regularly work from home and / or frequently need to back up files). Given how much our homes are increasingly becoming dependent on connectivity (most families have multiple devices on the go, often with a multitude of smart appliances running off them), it makes sense to have the fastest possible service in place.
There’s also a general perception that traditional is much cheaper than fibre – this isn’t necessarily true. Your service provider may be able to upgrade you, depending on your situation, meaning you may not need to go through the hassle of changing supplier. Give them a shout to see what’s possible from a price point of view. Important to note too is that copper broadband can be subject to electromagnetic interference (caused by appliances like boilers / water heaters or radio frequencies and resulting in slowdowns or dropout of service). What’s more, copper broadband will be switched off in coming years. So, it makes sense to be prepared by exploring faster fibre options.
Will Connecting to the NBI Network be More Expensive?
This is another common query we hear when it comes to the rollout. The answer is no; NBI is benchmarked against all wholesale broadband providers to ensure we’re in line with their pricing. In this way, we’ll never be more expensive than any other providers.
Will Fibre be More Expensive for Me Because I Live in a Remote Area?
Not necessarily – NBI charges all service providers the same price to use our infrastructure, no matter where in the country the installation is taking place. As the rollout continues (remember, you can check your area on our [add link] interactive map), service providers will be able to offer competitive fibre packages. Get in touch with a few of them and remember to have our [link to article] checklist of questions to hand.
How Come My Neighbour is Paying More Than I Am?
Thanks to the huge array of choice on offer when it comes to packages and bundles, customers can pick and choose a combination of services that suit their specific needs. Your neighbour might opt for fibre with a certain retail service provider, but also add a mobile phone plan for two people, plus a TV option (movies or sports, for example). They might also have signed up for a trial period which is initially cheaper. In short, there are various factors related to the type of service each person / family requires that will impact cost.
Will I Be Hit with Hidden Charges?
Again, it’s important to chat through all aspects of upgrading with your broadband service provider. Before placing an order, ask them about installation fees, and any potential equipment charges you might incur. Once you’re armed with as much knowledge as possible, you can make a decision that’s right for you, and avoid getting caught out by any unforeseen charges.
Are you interested in upgrading to fibre? No matter where you are on your journey, why not enter your details here to be kept up to date on all aspects of this exciting rollout.
