Latest Comreg Data Shows Surge in Fibre Broadband

New data published by Comreg has revealed that Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) technology in the Irish market is now on a par with cable broadband subscribers for the first time.

Comreg Data

Comreg’s latest quarterly update which covers the last quarter of 2021, shows the number of active subscriptions for Fibre-to-the-Premises broadband stood at 372,000, while cable has fallen slightly to 376,937 (a reduction of 0.16% over the quarter).

Just three years ago (Q4,2018), FTTP subscriptions stood at just over 90,000 (90,642.) New FTTP subscriptions since the turn of the year mean that fibre has now overtaken cable; a milestone that will be highlighted in the Q1 2022 Comreg report.

The pandemic was a catalyst for a shift to Fibre-to-the-Premises broadband with households recognising the need for high speeds and quality connectivity. While the majority of lockdown restrictions have been removed, the trend of remote working continues to grow and recent spikes in fuel prices are likely to see many workers continue to work from home.

Broadband market trends to end Q4, 2021:

– Copper subscriptions fell by 23,000 (22,708) over the quarter and almost 84,000 (83,658) or a 10% decrease over the full year.
– Cable subscriptions stagnated over the quarter with a decline of 0.16% and a marginal increase across the year of 0.88%.
– In contrast, Fibre to the Premises connections increased by 9% over the quarter and almost 50% (49.65%) for the full year.

Commenting on the new data, SIRO CEO John Keaney said:

“2022 is a significant milestone for network operators, like SIRO, involved in rolling out Fibre-to-the-Premises broadband networks across Ireland. The landmark milestone of fibre broadband subscriptions overtaking cable since the turn of the year shows that fibre has come of age in Ireland.

“With the three major network operators in the Irish market, including SIRO, announcing significant expansions or upgrades of their networks to fibre infrastructure in 2021, fibre is the future of broadband connectivity.

“The pandemic hugely accelerated consumer demand for broadband with greater bandwidth and reliability, which only fibre broadband can provide. Today, as the cost of living and fuel costs rise, it’s likely that even more workers will choose to work from home and avoid expensive commutes to work, making reliable, high-quality fibre broadband essential. Comreg’s data reflects this fact, showing that consumers, once they can access fibre broadband are voting with feet and making the switch.”