“A future proofed communications strategy is needed if Ireland is to remain a global hub for digital innovation” says Virgin Media CEO, Tony Hanway

 

 

Friday 22rd July 2016 – The CEO of Virgin Media Ireland, Tony Hanway, has said the Government and the private sector will have to take collective steps to ensure Ireland’s continued success as a global hub for innovation.


Addressing the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Co. Donegal today, Mr Hanway said failure by the Government or the private sector to continue to invest in critical communications networks, or investing too slowly to be globally competitive, will hold Ireland back.


"For this to happen, we need to work together on a clearly defined national broadband strategy that has to be aligned across national and local authorities. Virgin Media fully supports the National Broadband Plan which will be a game changer for Ireland. As market leader in high speed connectivity, we have first-hand experience of the benefits high speed broadband can bring to communities across Ireland.” he told the conference in Donegal.


“The broadband infrastructure that connects our villages, towns and cities is every bit as important as the roads and railways that form our transport network. If we get it right, Ireland can be right up there with the best in Europe in terms of being an attractive place to live, work and invest. “Mr Hanway noted.

 

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About Virgin Media

 

Virgin Media offers four multi award-winning services across Ireland and the UK including: broadband, TV, mobile phone and landline. The company's dedicated network delivers the fastest widely available broadband speeds to homes and businesses. Our interactive TV service brings live programmes, thousands of hours of on-demand programming and the best apps, as well as on-the-go for tablets and smartphones. We also have a virtual mobile network, offering fantastic value and services. We are also one of the largest fixed-line home phone providers across Ireland and the UK.

 

Virgin Media is the owner of TV3 - Ireland's leading commercial broadcaster operating two free-to-air channels (TV3 and 3e) and a digital platform with a major emphasis on home produced programming. TV3 recently secured exclusive rights to Six Nations Rugby for four years from 2018 and 22 Euro 2016 matches.

 

Virgin Media is part of Liberty Global, the world's largest international cable company, with operations in more than 30 countries.