When you start looking around for great broadband deals in Ireland you're sure to come across SIRO broadband providers as an option. If have no idea what this is, you're not alone. This short read explains to you once and for all what SIRO Broadband Ireland is and gives you all the tools you need to decide if it's the right service for you.
The SIRO Broadband Network
The SIRO project is a joint venture collaboration formed in 2015 between Vodafone and ESB. Their shared goal is to create a high-speed 100% FTTB (fibre-to-the-building) broadband network in Ireland. As a consumer, you won't buy directly from SIRO.
Their network is made available to a select list of authorised broadband providers throughout the country who bundle the service for resale to the retail customer.
What does FTTB mean?
You will see many acronyms like this related to broadband service. FTTB or fibre-to-the-building means that the fibre optic cable reaches all the way to the building where the device endpoints (tablets, laptops, computers, smart TVs, etc) are located.
SIRO vs FTTH
FTTH stands for fibre-to-the-home and FTTP for fibre-to-the-premises. In all cases, the bottom line is that the customer will enjoy higher-speed broadband. SIRO provides an FTTH/FTTP service.
The main alternative to this is sometimes called hybrid or cable broadband. These variants use a fibre optic network as the backbone of their service but the final leg of the digital journey to your device is bridged using non-fibre cable. The end result is a slower connection, unlike the ultrafast 100% fibre optic SIRO broadband version.
How fast is the SIRO network?
Where the SIRO network is available it provides speeds of up to 2Gbps which compares extremely well to other solutions. The technology has capacity to provide speeds of up to 10Gbps in the future, ensuring that your broadband is future-proofed into the years ahead.
What are the main different kinds of broadband in Ireland?
- ADSL
This is the most common legacy version of broadband in Ireland. Until quite recently this was the standard for high-speed broadband but it is being rapidly replaced by faster versions such as cable and ultimately fibre optic.
It is characterised by higher download than upload speeds and tends toward average speeds of about 10Mbps but may reach as high as 40Mbps for download speeds.
- SDSL
This is similar technology to ADSL but is mostly used by businesses. The download and upload speeds are the same, allowing for speeds of up to 40Mbps in both directions.
- Line of sight or fixed wireless broadband
A receiver is attached to your home or business with direct line of sight to the broadband provider. The signal is broadcast wirelessly directly to the receiver and speeds vary from 10Mbps to as high as 1Gb.
- SIM only
This option uses your mobile phone signal and SIM card. Speeds vary from 10Mbps to 100Mbps and but higher bandwidth signals of 5G and above promise faster speeds in future as the technology develops.
- Cable
broadband or part fibre broadband
Also known as FTTC (fibre-to-the-cabinet), this is a hybrid version that uses fibre optic technology on the main network but coaxial cable for the last stage to your home or office. Typical speeds reach up to about 100Mbps.
- SIRO broadband
This is 100% fibre optic broadband cabling from the network to your home or place of work. Speeds currently reach up to 2Gbps, the fastest available on the Irish market with future capacity for up to 10Gbps.
SIRO vs Fibre Optic
SIRO broadband uses fibre optic cable to deliver high-speed broadband to your device, but not every fibre optic cable is part of the SIRO network. Where you see the name SIRO attached to your broadband offer or bundle, it means that it is 100% fibre optic all the way to your location with no coaxial or other intermediate technology to slow down the final step.
This is currently the fastest broadband option in Ireland but is still being rolled out across the country. To find out if it's available in your area or to stay updated with the latest developments access Siro website.
SIRO vs FTTH
FTTH stands for fibre-to-the-home. SIRO is an FTTH broadband technology where SIRO refers to the joint venture company installing the technology and FTTH refers to the technology used by SIRO to provide the service.
SIRO vs Line of Sight
SIRO is a fully wired, sustainable, copper-free fibre optic network that will cover the entire country and provides future speeds of up to 10Gbps.
Line of sight broadband is a solution for remote locations where there is no network available and the broadband signal must be broadcast directly to a receiver dish via radio waves.
Who are the main SIRO providers in Ireland?
It can be confusing and people often think in terms of SIRO vs eir or SIRO vs Virgin Media, but in fact, most of the main providers purchase SIRO network capacity wholesale and resell bundles to us the consumer.
The main SIRO broadband providers in Ireland are:
Compare all of the provider options side by side with Siro Broadband offers.
Is SIRO right for you?
You need SIRO if:
- You are fed up with lag, latency, interruptions, poor service
With guaranteed high-speed fibre optic broadband you are guaranteed excellent streaming, gaming, and service reliability well into the future. - You work from home
Your network service needs to be guaranteed to prevent downtime, particularly if you are self-employed or providing an internet-based service. - You are a serious gamer
You can't afford lag, choppy streaming, or interruptions to your flow. As gaming evolves it requires ever greater bandwidth capability. SIRO broadband guarantees gaming support for years to come. - You want an all-inclusive package at a great price
If you want TV, phone, and broadband all in one easy-to-manage package with room for growth and great deals on all-inclusive bundles, SIRO-based packages are a great option.
You may not need SIRO if:
- You live in a remote area
The network may not be available to you or may be cost-prohibitive to have installed. Satellite or line-of-sight fixed wireless broadband may be a better option. - You spend all your time away from home
If you are never home, you won't get great value from your SIRO broadband. A pay-as-you-go SIM-only option may make more sense. - You hardly use the internet
If all you do is browse, stream the occasional show, and make a few calls, SIRO broadband may be overkill. A hybrid or ADSL option is probably all you require. - You are locked into a contract
You might still need SIRO broadband, but it may not be the right time to switch. Check the terms of your contract and find out when it is safe to move without having to buy out the remaining time.
Ready to check out the best SIRO deals in Ireland?
Check out the full range of high-speed SIRO broadband deals in Ireland and find out which is the best option for you. If you have any additional questions, head on over to our FAQ page, or get in touch via our contact page and we'll do our best to help you out.