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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