Irish satellite Internet from 45E

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Ireland's south west broadband programme using Europe*Star 1 satellite to deliver high speed Internet to remote communities. Europe*Star and Ireland’s South West Regional Authority have announced Europe*Star’s participation in a pioneering programme to address a growing issue faced by geographically disadvantaged regions within the European Community.

The South West Regional Authority covers an area of over 12,000 sq. km. in the South West of Ireland, and has statutory responsibility for the co-ordinated delivery of public services in the region, and the management of a number of European pilot programmes.

The South West Broadband initiative, launched in January 2003 and co-funded by the European Space Agency, is evaluating the use of satellite to deliver high-speed Internet access to rural communities, thereby encouraging balanced regional development. The Irish Prime Minister, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, recently launched the official rollout of the project in the town of Listowel.

The Europe*Star 1 (45E) satellite has been selected for its performance, which allows true broadband data rates in both directions using compact VSATs, and for its extended coverage over the extremities of Ireland. The satellite service uses equipment supplied by iDirect of the USA, and is being operated by Netdish of Italy from their teleport near Venice. Another aspect of the trial includes the deployment of wireless LANs to deliver the Internet service within the local community.

Source: Europe*Star