NBI to Roll Out High-Speed Broadband Across Rural Ireland

As part of the largest telecommunications project undertaken by the Irish state, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas throughout Ireland. Using GE Digital’s GIS-based solution Smallworld Physical Network Inventory (PNI), NBI will deliver high-speed broadband to more than 1.1 million people across approximately 554,000 homes in rural Ireland, an increase from the initial project scope of 544,000 homes.

“National Broadband Ireland is leading the way in designing, building, and operating Ireland’s new broadband network on behalf of the Irish Government and GE Digital’s Smallworld solutions have always been a key element of our program. Our reliance on quality inventory data is fundamental to the success of the broadband service roll out,” said Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer for National Broadband Ireland. 

GIS-based solution streamlines network operations with a comprehensive and integrated view of the entire network

Part of GE Digital’s Smallworld Geospatial Asset Management suite, the Smallworld Physical Network Inventory will help National Broadband Ireland to be more aware of drop locations and accurately map out implementation.

The Smallworld solution was chosen to not only maximize the efficiency of the network plan, design, and build phase of the project, but also the operation of this fiber network infrastructure for many years to come. The solution underpins the fully integrated ordering, connection management, installation and activation, and assurance processes.

“GE Digital is proud to be part of this transformational project, providing critical infrastructure and high-speed Internet to rural communities in Ireland,” said Jim Walsh, General Manager of GE Digital’s Grid Software business.

Read the press release announcing National Broadband Ireland's selection of GE Digital's Smallworld Physical Network Inventory software.