The second half of 2007 promises to be an exciting year on the broadband front as mobile operators Vodafone, O2 and 3 enter the market and take on the established fixed line and wireless broadband providers.
The arrival of a new mobile technology called HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) is thought to be the only way ahead for broadband take up in Ireland to resemble that of other developed countries around the World. To date the take up in Ireland is low due to slow speeds and very limited availability.
HSDPA modems and phones promise to give broadband speeds to laptop users of around 3.6Mbps in 2007 and the respective networks each cover between 70pc and 80pc of the country.
O2 Ireland has reportedly invested over EUR250m in the next generation network which will be named EDGE. This should be ready for rollout in late July or early August. There is already various testing in progress and the results of these will determine the launch date.
O2 say their Investment will pave the way for O2 broadband at home and on the move delivering peak rate speeds from 3.6 up to 14.4 megabits per second. This will make broadband available to many consumers who currently cannot avail of broadband via DSL or over fixed wireless with the broadband being delivered over the new O2 mobile network.
The new network will incorporate the latest HSPA technology which will position O2 Ireland ahead of its competitors in providing advanced high bandwidth broadband services over the mobile network, which customers can use at home and/or on the move.
Commenting on the benefits which O2 Ireland's customers will derive from the major investment programme, O2 Chief Technology Officer, said:
"This new investment will allow our customers to enjoy broadband services at home and/or on the move at unprecedented speeds, while also allowing us to rapidly develop new and competitive services to meet Ireland's increasingly sophisticated mobile communications requirements.
If you would like more information on O2 Broadband or Broadband with the other networks call Commercial Wireless on 1850 86 86 86 or email info@commercialwireless.ie and we would be glad to help in any way. When the Broadband modems are launched we will be one of the first to stock this product and will be happy to provide you with any information that you may need.
The second half of 2007 promises to be an exciting year on the broadband front as mobile operators Vodafone, O2 and 3 enter the market and take on the established fixed line and wireless broadband providers. 
The new network will incorporate the latest HSPA technology which will position O2 Ireland ahead of its competitors in providing advanced high bandwidth broadband services over the mobile network, which customers can use at home and/or on the move.