Published: Wednesday, 7th April, 2010 4:30pm

Cutting the cost of Athlone's high-speed broadband

Imagine Communications Group has announced the launch of its high-speed WiMax broadband and phone network in Athlone. The new fourth generation wireless technology provides superfast Internet and phone access at home and on the move for half the cost charged by current providers.

The Irish company has delivered on its promise to bring cost-effective phone and internet services to Athlone town centre and areas around the town that have previously been regarded as broadband blackspots.

Monksland, on the Roscommon side of Athlone, is now WiMax enabled after Imagine recorded a huge demand from the people of the area and local activists to deliver fast and reliable broadband services to the district for the first time.

The new WiMax network across Athlone will deliver 50 per cent cheaper phone and broadband services to thousands of customers.

On top of these cut-price bill options, homeowners will save over €400 a year on their phone and broadband bills compared to Eircom as Imagine does not charge line rental fees.

The new network will deliver the fastest and most reliable broadband Internet ever seen in Athlone and more than 10,000 homes in the town will be covered for cheaper phone and broadband.

Areas that will enjoy the immediate rollout of the superfast network include Athlone town centre, Golden Island, Baylough, Monksland, Carrickobrien, Cushla and Bellaugh.

Imagine has already reported interest in the new high-speed service in the town to be above average, and has pledged to expand WiMax coverage in Athlone further in 2010.

Imagine is offering quality WiMax broadband to local families from €25 per month, which is 50 per cent cheaper than Eircom's prices. For just €20 per month, Imagine is offering a phone-only package to homes in Athlone with no line rental fee, again available for 50 per cent cheaper than competitors.

Imagine hopes to expand the service to areas beyond the town and Monksland and urges interested households in suburban and rural areas to register with Imagine WiMax today. Once sufficient numbers of homes register their interest, Imagine can roll out the service to that area as soon as possible.

Registering is easy; simply log on to www.imagine.ie and fill in the form detailing your name, phone number and address. Or if you're in a broadband blackspot, call 1890 929 902 to register your interest with our WiMax team.

Mr Brian O'Donohoe, Imagine's Commercial Director, said the network is a world-leading access technology that is already attracting new customers from all over Ireland looking for alternatives to poor quality and expensive services on fixed or 3G offerings.

"We've already rolled out this new network in Dublin, Sligo, Wexford and Kildare and the response has been overwhelming. Our customers are getting better phone and Internet services at half the cost they had been paying. Parts of Athlone, especially Monksland, had suffered from deplorable broadband access. So we're delighted to be able to correct that today with Imagine WiMax following the interest from homeowners and businesses in that area," Mr O'Donohoe said. Local representatives have been lending their support to the launch, with Deputy Mary O'Rourke TD saying the new technology is vital for the Athlone area.

"The provision of high speed, competitively priced broadband is vital for Athlone's economic recovery. Imagine WiMax's arrival will give additional choice for local users, both domestic and small business. Athlone has a strong record of IT investment and we have seen firsthand the positive effects for the local economy of this vital investment," said Deputy O'Rourke.

Welcoming the expansion of Imagine WiMax's coverage to the town, Senator Nicky McFadden said the move was essential for economic recovery and is a critical element in modern day home life and business.

"If we are to compete globally we need competitive and fast internet access. I look forward to Imagine WiMax further expanding services throughout the midlands," said Senator McFadden.