Irish office broadband lags behind home connections, SIRO research finds.
A quarter of Irish professionals say poor broadband connectivity in their workplace is affecting their ability to perform their job effectively, according to new research commissioned by broadband network operator SIRO.
The survey, conducted by Amárach Research, found that 60% of workers believe their home broadband is superior to the connection available in their office. Dissatisfaction was highest among professionals in Dublin, Connacht and Ulster, with 32% in each region reporting that poor connectivity was hindering their work.
“Irish businesses, particularly smaller ones, are still relying on outdated copper connections which can no longer support their business needs”
The findings also suggest that substandard broadband is having an impact on customer experience. Fifty-seven percent of Irish consumers said they had encountered connectivity issues when interacting with businesses, and 22% indicated they would be less likely to return to a business as a result.
Fibre broadband is holds key to the future
The research highlights the slow adoption of fibre-to-the-premises broadband among Irish businesses.
Data from the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) shows that only 12% of businesses currently use full fibre connections, despite 79% of premises having access to the technology. Many businesses continue to rely on legacy copper networks, which are expected to be phased out in the coming years.
In response to the findings, SIRO has launched LightPulse, a Gigabit fibre broadband product designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises. The product aims to support businesses transitioning from copper to full fibre infrastructure.
Aoife O’Reilly, head of Enterprise at SIRO, said the research underscores the need for businesses to upgrade their connectivity.
“Irish businesses, particularly smaller ones, are still relying on outdated copper connections which can no longer support their business needs,” she said.
“What is worrying for the longer-term growth and viability of these businesses, particularly in an era of connectivity-hungry AI, is that their poor broadband connections are now affecting their workers and customers – both of which are fundamental to the success of any company.”
O’Reilly added that the copper switch-off is approaching and urged businesses to assess their access to full fibre and make the transition.
“Our research clearly shows that their employees, customers and bottom line will thank them for making the move,” she said.
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