The National Broadband Scheme

The objective of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) was to deliver broadband to certain target areas in Ireland in which services were deemed to be insufficient. It was designed to deliver a universal broadband solution to 223,000 houses by Autumn 2010. Its geographical area is equal to 33% of the entire country.

Following the conclusion of a competitive tendering process, the contract to implement and operate the NBS was entered into with 3 in December 2008.

onwave (formerly Satellite Broadband Ireland) was chosen to deliver broadband to rural and remote locations within the NBS areas. We commenced installations in July 2009.

Three completed its roll out in October 2010.

In line with the NBS contract, broadband services are now available to all premises within each of the 1,028 designated NBS Electoral Divisions.

The NBS, as proposed by 3, calls for a total investment of €223 million to provide broadband services to the remaining areas of rural Ireland which are still unconnected. Of that €223 million, €79.8 million is being funded by the Irish Government and the EU with the balance coming from 3.

Under the NBS guidelines, 3 have a dispensation to deploy a satellite broadband solution to between 5-8% of the target dwellings, which equates to a maximum of 17,800 potential installations for those living in NBS coverage areas across rural Ireland.