Eircom Ltd. (eir) says it has agreed with InfraVia Capital Partners to create a joint venture company called Fibre Networks Ireland that will deploy open access fiber to the home (FTTH) networks across Ireland. eir will own 50.01% of the FTTH joint venture, with InfraVia controlling the rest.
eir expects Fibre Networks Ireland to extend open access FTTH infrastructure to 1.9 million premises by the end of 2026. Toward this end, eir will sign a long-term services agreement with the JV to support Fibre Networks Ireland’s operations and investment program. eir will offer access to the FTTH to Irish retail broadband services providers via Open eir Networks.
“The establishment of Fibre Networks Ireland provides a vehicle for further investment in our already extensive network,” said eir CFO Stephen Tighe. “eir’s mission has always been to connect people through great quality services. Through this exciting partnership with InfraVia we can improve our ability to connect customers faster than ever before and ensure that more homes in Ireland can access the high-speed internet that has become increasingly important part of how we live our lives.”
“We are very pleased to partner with eir and its shareholders in building out a high quality, national FTTH network that will provide next generation connectivity across Ireland,” added Bruno Candès, partner at InfraVia. “Fiber internet access is a critical service that enables an inclusive digital transformation, and we are proud to support this transition in the Republic of Ireland. This investment builds on our existing track record in Ireland and our deep communications infrastructure experience across Europe. We look forward to working with eir in this partnership in the years ahead.”
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.