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Fibre FAQ’s

This page answers the most frequently asked questions about fibre connections with Aptus. The answers are specific to Aptus customer accounts only and do not apply to any other broadband provider.

If you’re living in a shared house or have a family, you will certainly have more than one device to connect to the internet at the same time. Many homes will have smartphones, TV services, smart speakers and computers all under one roof using the internet. The combined effect of this means that speeds can slow down. The NBI network is designed to exceed the growing demands of a digital society, ensuring that customers always have a fast and reliable broadband service into the future.

NBI fibre broadband uses a network of fibre optic cables to deliver high-speed data over long distances, the length and breadth of Ireland. This data travels down the cables at the speed of light, right into your home or business.

Unlike standard broadband, which relies on older copper-based network technologies, the NBI fibre broadband network consists of a full fibre solution that supplies right to your door.

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every home, farm and business in Ireland – regardless of how remote or rural – has access to high-speed broadband. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) to date has identified more than 554,000 premises (collectively known as the Intervention Area) across Ireland that require access to high-speed broadband.

The NBP is one of the biggest and most significant investments in rural Ireland ever. Stretching across 96% of Ireland, this massive, complex project is considered to be amongst the most ambitious in telecoms globally.

Fibre broadband is a type of high-speed broadband; arguably the most future-proofed connectivity technology in the world today. It uses fibre optic cables to connect your premises directly to one of NBI’s regional or local exchanges. These fibre cables are far superior to standard copper cables or wireless services.

Fibre is future-proofed. We are building a network to support the needs of customers in rural Ireland for generations to come. Wireless networks may be able to support some current needs but will not support the forecasted growth in internet usage.

There are two methods we use to bring the NBI™ network to your premises once you have placed an order. Both are explained below.

Overhead connection
Your premises will most likely be connected via an overhead cable from a telegraph pole near your property. If no convenient pole currently exists, NBI may install one as part of the installation work after you have placed an order. The engineer will discuss with you where you would like the cable to enter your home – locations at the front or rear can be accommodated. The engineer will discreetly run the cable to that position, drill a small hole (approximately 10mm in size), install the cable and connect it to a small NBI™ network unit, which will be fixed to the wall inside your premises. This then connects to the modem supplied by your preferred retail service provider.

Underground connection
If an overhead connection is not possible, or you already have some suitable underground ducting in place at your property, then the engineer may install the cable underground (including unblocking ducting if necessary). Once this is agreed, the engineer will discuss with you where you would like the cable to enter your premises. We will place a small NBI™ network unit on the wall inside your premises. This then connects to the modem supplied by your preferred retail service provider.

We’ll let you know which method will be used for your premises once we know your Eircode. Installation times range from one hour to two days. When you place your order, you will be advised on an estimated timeline.

Couldn't find an answer?

For further questions, please contact Aptus Accounts using the button provided below. Our Accounts team is available between 9 am and 5:30 pm Monday to Friday.