Broadband News

Irish small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly using wireless broadband services, according to new statistics.

Figures from Vodafone Ireland show that one third (33 per cent) of small businesses are using wireless connections as their primary means of accessing the internet.

This compares with just 20 per cent for narrowband dial-up connections.

Among those with broadband connections, the most popular services were fixed-wireless, 3G mobile broadband, Wi-Fi and satellite technology.

Eavann Murphy, head of business marketing at Vodafone, said: "What is most striking about the research is the willingness among small firms to adopt new technology, such as 3G broadband.

"We expect to see more SMEs moving away from traditional slow or inflexible means of connecting to the internet and becoming fully mobile."

News of the survey’s findings comes after Vodafone last month announced that sales of its 3G broadband service had increased 50 per cent in the most recent quarter, bringing its customer base up to 30,000.