Aiming for the top.

(From Business and Finance)

Ireland could lead Europe's broadband league, according to Ice Broadbands executive chairman Fran Rooney, who has urged local authorities to take steps to put an end to the broadband issues affecting the country.

Ice Broadband recently deployed its 100% coverage service for Limerick county and city. At the launch, Rooney said local authorities across the country should aim to follow the example of Limerick County Council, taking the initiative and working closely with companies that can provide immediate wireless solutions.

Thanks to the council's initiative and Ice Broadband's wireless technology, Limerick is the first county in Ireland to launch high quality wireless broadband services with 100% coverage for the whole city and county area. According to Rooney, initiatives like these could place Ireland at the top of Europe's broadband league.

"We can offer 100% coverage for the whole Limerick region because of the support of Limerick County Council. I would urge other local authorities to adopt a similar approach, as county councils know, the provision of quality broadband is essential for the development of businesses and jobs in their communities, and could make Ireland a broadband leader in Europe," Rooney said.

"We are delighted to work with Limerick County Council and we hope other councils across the country follow the example. More initiatives of this kind would put an end to the problems that whole communities across Ireland are facing regarding access to high quality internet services."

Also attending the launch of Ice Broadband in Limerick was the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Peter Power. He welcomed Ice Broadband to the region and thanked the initiative. "I'm delighted to see a wholly Irish-owned company such as Ice Broadband tackling the broadband issue," said Minister Power. He also highlighted the importance of broadband access for the development of business activities in the country and explained that the initiative will "place Limerick at the forefront of attracting business to Ireland".