'3' in 75% of Meath

Broadband provider 3 claims it has reached a major milestone in its rollout of world-leading broadband technology in Meath. The county is one of the first in Ireland to reach 75 per cent connectivity under the National Broadband Scheme. 3 is currently in the middle of the Big Broadband Switch On, connecting the unconnected throughout Ireland. Homes and businesses across Meath can now get connected to 3's broadband offering which provides a minimum download speed of 1.2Mbps on the edge of cell. 3's service through the National Broadband Scheme costs €19.99 per month for 15GB, with a once-off connection fee of €49. The company says this connectivity enables businesses in NBS areas of Meath to make the most of high speed internet, email and additional services, giving them access to local and global markets and improving efficiencies and revenues. Home users also now have access to high-speed mobile broadband, where they can do everything they always wanted to do on the internet, whether it's downloading music, surfing the web, checking emails or making free Skype calls abroad, said a spokesperson. Damien Gallagher, National Broadband Scheme project director, said 3 was delighted to announce that Meath is one of the first counties in Ireland to reach 75 per cent connectivity under the National Broadband Scheme. "We are currently in the middle of the rollout for these high-speed broadband services and 3 is ensuring that consumers and businesses alike have access to the highest quality broadband services with an enhanced customer experience." He added that 3 will continue in its role in facilitating rural development and sustaining Ireland's regional economies and is on target to have full network coverage in all NBS areas by the end of 2010.