National Broadband Plan Surges Past 440,000 Premises Connected

UPDATE: National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has just announced a significant milestone in the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), confirming that it has now passed 440,000 premises with high-speed fibre broadband, exceeding its original target of 420,000 by year’s end. This development, reported on 4 December 2025, marks a pivotal moment in advancing digital connectivity across Ireland.

NBI has completed construction works on 80% of all premises within the NBP Intervention Area, pushing the project firmly on track for completion by the end of next year. With approximately 157,000 homes, farms, and businesses now connected to the network, the demand for high-speed fibre connectivity demonstrates a robust appetite among residents.

Take-up rates have surged, with many areas exceeding a remarkable 60% adoption rate in locations where the network has been operational for a longer duration. This underscores the urgency of the rollout as rural communities increasingly seek quality internet access.

NBI has confirmed that the National Broadband Plan will be delivered within the capped State subsidy of €2.6 billion, as established at the contract’s signing in 2019. With the remaining 20% of network construction already contracted and actively underway, the company is confident in meeting both the timeline and budget parameters despite challenges posed by inflation.

In a statement, TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer of National Broadband Ireland, expressed pride in the progress made: “Reaching 440,000 premises passed and connecting 157,000 customers before the end of 2025 is a significant achievement for our team and our build partners. The momentum behind the rollout is stronger than ever, and the levels of take-up we are seeing show just how much high-speed fibre is needed right across rural Ireland.”

Despite general inflation in Ireland rising by 22.5% since the project began, NBI has managed to limit cost inflation on the project to only 8%. This disciplined approach reflects the company’s commitment to delivering this essential infrastructure efficiently.

As the rollout progresses, individuals and businesses in the service area can connect to high-speed fibre broadband through a selection of over 50 different broadband providers actively selling on the NBI Network.

The focus now shifts to completing the remaining infrastructure, including an additional 30,000 premises added to the rollout plan. Authorities emphasize the importance of this connectivity, with the potential to transform everyday lives in rural communities.

Stay tuned for more updates as NBI continues its crucial work to bring high-speed internet to every corner of Ireland. The completion of this project is not just a technological achievement; it is a lifeline for communities striving for greater access to the digital world.