While the Republic of Ireland has developed a reputation as a thriving digital economy thanks to its tech-savvy workforce, issues with 5G connectivity could derail its progress.
Its average 5G download speed of 155.8Mbps is disappointing and leaves them trailing well behind other developed countries.
The internet network speed has already significantly impacted several lucrative industries, hampering their ability to function at a high level.
Ireland’s 5G Download Speed is a Cause for Concern
Global research firm Open Signal recently released a report that highlights Ireland’s middling position in 5G download speed rankings.
Ireland is in 38th place among 56 developed and developing countries surveyed between July and September. Intriguingly, it is ahead of the United Kingdon, which is 46th.
The data is even worse when you factor in other metrics such as the proportion of time users with 5G-compatible devices and subscriptions spend connected to 5G. Ireland ranks 49th in that category, with users spending just 9.2 percent of their time connected to 5G internet.
Ireland’s numbers pale in comparison to those of other global powerhouses such as the United States. US users enjoy average speeds of 178.2Mbps. The US is also much better in terms of availability, with 5G users spending over 30% of their time with a connection.
These figures prove that limited infrastructure and inconsistent access have significantly hampered Ireland’s ability to enjoy the 5G network.
Ireland’s largest mobile operator, Vodafone, is making strides. They recently shut down their 3G network and sanctioned a nationwide rollout of a comprehensive 4G and 5G network upgrade.
However, the data shows that the damage runs deep, and Ireland still has plenty of ground to cover.
Why Speed and Availability are Key
Fast and reliable internet has become a key part of everyday life.
5G was designed to deliver unprecedented speed with lower latency and a higher capacity, making it ideal for data-intensive activities such as gaming and streaming.
However, Ireland’s low 5G availability means that even users with compatible devices and subscriptions rarely experience those benefits. This could have a telling impact on businesses that rely on high-speed internet.
One of the most significantly affected sectors is online casinos. Casino online platforms prioritise seamless experiences, and their wide range of gaming options rely heavily on fast and stable internet connections.
The 5G network should resolve the issue with a minimum of fuss, but the lack of supply in Ireland has become a huge problem for gaming operators that must be addressed.
What is Stopping Ireland from Rolling Out 5G Effectively?
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the country’s telecoms regulator, is knee-deep in a legal battle with telecommunications company Three Ireland.
Both parties have struggled to find common ground over the format of a planned spectrum auction.
The initial plan was to allocate 470 MHz across several key frequency bands, including 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz, which would improve 4G services and trigger widespread 5G coverage.
However, Three Ireland has refused to budge, arguing that the auction’s combinatorial clock format would put the company at a competitive disadvantage,
Just days before ComReg’s planned auction, Three Ireland threw a spanner in the works when they petitioned the High Court. The regulator subsequently filed an appeal, but the delay has already disrupted the spectrum allocation timeline.
It does not help that Huawei Technologies (Ireland), the Irish arm of the Chinese multinational, continues to be the focus of national security concerns internationally.
New accounts reveal that Huawei’s turnover in Ireland took a massive hit, tumbling down to €176.6 million in 2023 – a far cry from the €195.7m it recorded the previous year.
The company is still a key player in Ireland’s telecom infrastructure, including 5G development, but its operations are shadowed by international security concerns.
Governments have often proceeded carefully when dealing with Huawei amid fears of potential espionage due to its ties to the Chinese authorities.
The United States and United Kingdom have imposed strict measures on Huawei’s involvement in their networks, and the European Union has urged member states to take similar precautions.
Ireland’s 2023 Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act introduced national security measures reflecting these concerns.
The Chinese ambassador to Ireland, He Xiangdong, has slammed the legislation as ‘discriminatory’, but that has done little to persuade Irish policymakers, who continue to align with EU strategies.
