Vodacom and Turner will take their own path, but they are all part of the same “agenda” to get more people connected to the internet.
The two companies are part of a consortium to launch a new service which will offer speeds of up to 1Gbps across Ireland.
A senior executive of Turner told the Irish Independent that it was a different approach from what the other operators have been doing, and said the focus would be on “connectivity, reliability and affordability”.
This means the internet will be delivered over copper and fibre connections, but will also offer “broadband” services, such as video streaming and 3D gaming.
The internet will also be available on 3G, and will offer “over-the-top” services to users via apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Skype.
This is where people will be able to connect to the TV or video streaming services, and the company has already promised to provide over 2G broadband to over 2 million households.
“Our focus is to provide the best possible quality of internet across Ireland,” said Vodapower CEO Brian McBride.
“We are all going to be working together in a holistic approach, and that is a very exciting time to be a part of it.”
There is also an announcement to be made at the weekend that will see the new Broadband Ireland and its “Flexible” internet plan available for pre-purchase at all retailers in the country.
It will cost €100 per month for a basic package, €100 a month for an upgrade and €250 per month to get a plan with a speed of up “up to 1 Gbps”.
“We’ve been working with the Irish broadband industry for over a decade,” said Mr McBride, who said the two companies were working on a joint venture with a telco.
“This is a significant step in the right direction for Ireland and we look forward to building on this legacy of great broadband service.”
Mr McBriens said that there would be a “substantial” increase in the number of Vodaperes that would be available for a pre-order, as well as a “significant” increase for the price of a “flexible” plan.
This includes a “faster” option for a plan that does not require a contract to be signed, as a prepaid option.
The new Broadway service will be offered over copper, fibre and 3G connections.
Mr McConagh said that it would be cheaper to purchase the Broadway plan than to upgrade to a 3G plan.
It is hoped that this will help the two telcos sell more 3G devices.
“When you look at the growth of 3G broadband in Ireland, this will be a great opportunity to sell more devices to the Irish market,” he said.
Vodas deal: Vodacoal is the latest in a string of deals that has been struck by the Irish telecoms industry.
It was the first to be announced in January, and a further five deals were announced in May.
The three main telcos have all agreed to sell some of their 4G and 5G networks, which include Vodagavee, Vodal and Vadapuru, to Vodan, the country’s second largest telco, which is now in talks to sell its 5G network as well.
The deals are expected to see more than 20% of the 3G market and the entire 3G network sold to Vadan, which will provide the majority of its services.
It has already secured a deal with Telefónica which will sell its 3G services.
“There is a strong appetite for this new type of broadband in the Irish markets, and it is the right time to build on this,” said RTE’s Tom Keogh.
“It will create jobs in our communities, it will improve our infrastructure and increase our competitiveness in the market.”
The Irish Broadband Alliance (IBAA) said that Vodavac is an “important step forward” for the industry.
“Vodacoms new broadband services will provide a competitive and attractive price for consumers, while providing an important source of employment in the digital economy,” IBAA chief executive Brian O’Leary said.