Hi Ruth, this is an alternative called "Wireless in the local loop" - Eircom and BT Ireland can provide it:
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Sometimes its used instead of installing a traditional phone line. It can also be used to offer broadband, called Fixed Wireless Access. Details of Eircoms product are on their site, I can't give you a direct link as they time out but if you go to eircom.ie and search for FWA you should find details:
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eircom fixed wireless access (FWA)
eircom fixed wireless access delivers broadband to you using FWA packet technology. Your router connects to an external antenna in your home. This antenna uses a radio channel to link into a base station, and then to the Internet.
eircom fixed wireless access (FWA)
Download large files in seconds: access speeds of up to 512kbps.
Accessible in 63 areas of the country: where DSL is unavailable.
Keep your Internet spend predictable: with a flat, affordable monthly fee.
Check out our fixed wireless access frequently asked questions section
Contact us
If you are interested or have any queries on eircom broadband satellite / fixed wireless access (FWA) phone us for free on 1800 303 503.
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So basically this could be "narrowband" or "broadband" - best to give Eircom a ring, especially if they haven't quoted you €700-odd for installation, which is the charge for the FWA Internet product as I looked into this in Meath, a while back.