eir today announced a significant milestone in its nationwide 5G rollout, its next-generation mobile network now reaches 99% of the population, delivering high-speed, low-latency connectivity to nearly every corner of Ireland.
At the same time, eir has seen a 60% year-on-year surge in 5G traffic and a 20% rise in overall data usage, highlighting the accelerating demand for fast, reliable mobile connectivity and reinforcing the success of its long-term digital transformation strategy.
eir can also confirm that on Monday, 30 June, Lana Del Rey fans broke the record for the most eir mobile data used at an event in the Aviva stadium, with 55% more data used than the previous record-breaking American College Football game in August of 2024.
With more than 2,660 mobile sites in operation, eir’s network is not only Ireland’s largest, but it is also verified as having Ireland’s No.1 5G network availability. This position has been reaffirmed for the fifth consecutive year by Ookla, the global leader in network intelligence and speed testing.
“This is a defining moment in Ireland’s digital journey,” said Fergal McCann, Chief Technology Officer at eir. “We’ve built the country’s best available 5G network, and now we’re seeing how vital that investment has become. With 5G traffic growing by 60% in just 12 months, the appetite for fast, dependable mobile data is undeniable—and our network is built to meet that demand.”
“5G is enabling more than just faster smartphones,” McCann added. “It’s powering remote healthcare, connected homes, live-streamed learning, real-time logistics, and the digital services that make modern life work. Our job is to make sure the network always stays one step ahead—and that every customer, no matter where they live, gets the experience they deserve.”
“Reaching 99% 5G population coverage is a powerful step forward for our customers,” said Kealan Donoghue, Director of Consumer and Small Business at eir. “It strengthens the experience we already deliver—fast, reliable mobile connectivity that people can depend on every day. More and more customers are choosing eir because they know they’ll get consistent 5G performance, wherever life takes them. At eir, our purpose is to connect for a better Ireland, and this achievement brings that promise to life in communities across the country.”
eir’s network expansion is part of an almost €2 billion strategic investment programme launched in 2019 to reshape Ireland’s digital infrastructure. In that time, eir has:
— Built over 850 new mobile sites, expanding reach into rural and previously underserved areas
— Deployed fibre backhaul to 1,300 sites, greatly improving network speed and capacity
— Achieved 99% population coverage with 5G, a landmark in nationwide connectivity
— The result is a future-ready mobile platform capable of supporting Ireland’s growing digital economy and the daily lives of millions of customers.
Looking ahead, eir plans to invest an additional €100 million over the next three years to expand its mobile network and boost capacity in high-demand areas. This includes continued upgrades in urban centres and expanded reach in rural communities, supporting eir’s broader purpose: to connect for a better Ireland.
“Connectivity should never be an eircode lottery,” said McCann. “Whether it’s a student in Galway, a farmer in Tipperary, or a start-up in Dublin, every person and business in Ireland deserves equal access to the digital world. That’s the commitment we’ve made—and we’re delivering on it.”
eir’s vision is simple but ambitious: to create an inclusive, resilient, and future-proof digital infrastructure that connects communities, empowers growth, and supports innovation, north to south, urban to rural, today and into the future.