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Newgrange broadcast a ray of light in dark days

Viatel equip Ireland’s ancient site with high-speed broadband for global streaming of solstice

Telecommunications and cloud company Viatel is showcasing the Newgrange broadcast as part of Guaranteed Irish month this March.

Even in the most uncertain times, some things remain the same. For 5,000 years winter sunlight has illuminated Newgrange, one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks. When crowds could not gather at Newgrange, the Office of Public Works (OPW) decided to beam the solstice from the Boyne Valley around the globe. Viatel engineers created the necessary connection: twenty-first century technology broadcasting Stone Age engineering.

Green light at the end of the passage

Adam, Jack and Sadie McCann watch the solstice broadcast around the world from Newgrange on a high-speed Viatel connection. Image credit Richard Naylor, RDM Media
Adam, Jack and Sadie McCann watch the solstice broadcast around the world from Newgrange on a high-speed Viatel connection. Image credit Richard Naylor, RDM Media

Telecommunications and cloud company Viatel is showcasing the Newgrange broadcast as part of Guaranteed Irish month this March. Damien McCann, director of sales and marketing with Viatel and board member of Guaranteed Irish, explains that March and St Patrick’s Day seemed like a great opportunity to celebrate Newgrange. “Life is challenging for many people at the moment but the essence of Newgrange is a reminder that even the longest night carries the promise of brighter days to come.”

Guaranteed trust

Viatel is very proud to bear the iconic Guaranteed Irish symbol. Guaranteed Irish is one of Ireland’s most recognised and respected brands with 81 per cent of consumers agreeing that it  portrays an image of trust. The organisation stands out in its genuine support of Irish jobs and 93 per cent of consumers believe that by purchasing from firms with the Guaranteed Irish brand they are supporting local employment.

Ireland’s most connected public sector partner

Viatel engineers at work creating the connection that beamed the solstice from Newgrange to the world. Image credit Richard Naylor, RDM Media
Viatel engineers at work creating the connection that beamed the solstice from Newgrange to the world. Image credit Richard Naylor, RDM Media

Damien McCann acknowledges that the Brú na Boinne site at Newgrange is not the easiest spot for a global broadcast. “Luckily, Viatel is the most connected service provider in Ireland. Our network offers the most extensive last mile reach. We have corporate customers at the heart of Dublin and businesses on high-speed connections on Inis Meáin. Location is no object!”

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As well as almost 4,000 business and corporate customers, Viatel is also proud to partner with the OPW and many more of Ireland’s public sector bodies including the Departments of Education and Skills and of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the State Examinations Commission. The company even provides connectivity to no less a residence than Áras an Uachtaráin.

Getting in touch

Designated as an essential service, Viatel are fully operational under current restrictions. For a quick chat or a full technical consultation contact us on 1800 930 860, email info@viatel.com or visit us at viatel.com.

About Viatel

Viatel engineers at work creating the connection that beamed the solstice from Newgrange to the world. Image credit Richard Naylor, RDM Media
Viatel engineers at work creating the connection that beamed the solstice from Newgrange to the world. Image credit Richard Naylor, RDM Media

Viatel is the leading independent, Irish-owned provider of connectivity and cloud solutions. We connect people to their business applications securely; no matter where the people – at home or in the office – and no matter where the applications – on premise or in the cloud. We make workers more productive and we keep them secure.

A Deloitte Best Managed Company, Viatel operates a national and international network alongside a data centre facility located at our Blanchardstown site. Employing 160 people providing round-the-clock services 365 days a year, Viatel has offices in Dublin, Dundalk and Limerick.

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