Business customers in central Dublin are being offered a flat-rate fixed monthly charge for "always on" fixed wireless Internet connection by the pan-European fixed wireless operator Formus Communications.
The offer is the first commercial deployment of fixed wireless broadband local loop technology in the Republic, and will be officially launched in early November.
Telecoms regulator, Ms Etain Doyle, awarded four fixed wireless broadband local loop licences early this year to Formus, Eircom, Princes Holdings and Esat. The other operators are expected to launch their own services shortly.
Fixed wireless local loop technology enables operators to offer customers broadband services through radio waves rather than through fixed wire connections.
This enables the speedy deployment of services by operators compared to traditional broadband connections. Installing traditional connections can take a lot of time to allow for connection to cable infrastructure in the ground.
Formus communications director, Mr Charlie Ardagh said the company had secured 15 customers already and would increase its sales and marketing operation as the launch date approached.
He said the system could be installed within three weeks if the customer had its landlord's agreement, where needed.
The Formus bundle of services includes broadband "end-to-end" Internet access, e-mail, hosting and content delivery services. It will also offer companies secure IP virtual private networks.
Mr Ardagh said he could not disclose the cost of the package yet, but he said it would be competitively priced compared to similar service offerings.
Operators will roll out their services across Dublin and other counties over next few years, subject to their licence commitments.
Meanwhile, it is understood that Formus will locate its regional service management centre for Europe in Dublin and is currently negotiating with IDA Ireland to secure employment grant aid.
The company has secured licences in Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Norway and Spain. In addition, Formus UK will compete in an auction for a number of UK regional licences due to be held shortly.
