CABLE WIRELESS is investing £4.24 million (€4.95 million) in a next-generation network spanning 21 locations in Ireland and continental Europe.

The network, called a multi-service platform (MSP), will offer speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. The infrastructure can recognise the type of application that is running over it, such as a voice call or a videoconferencing session, and prioritise the traffic according to its importance.

According to Seán Mahon, business director with the firm’s Irish operation, customers will be able to avail of significantly faster internet access, with better quality service, for similar prices as lower bandwidth leased-line connections from other providers.

“As a business, it allows us to compete in Ireland on a more global scale,” he said. “Customers will have access to a very powerful network in a cost-effective manner.”

The investment, covering all of Europe, is funded by Cable Wireless’ own business, added Mr Mahon. The rollout announced yesterday is due to be completed by September. The company will transfer its Irish customers to the new network on a phased basis over the next 12 months.

Much of the necessary equipment for the new network has been installed at the firm’s Irish network sites at Tallaght and Clonshaugh in Dublin, as well as its two locations in Belfast.

The infrastructure connects to its fibre-optic MSP network already in place across the UK, India and the Middle East.

David Molony of technology analyst firm Ovum, said the MSP was one of the most advanced telecommunications networks of its kind in the world.

It links to 153 countries across the globe so that a customer in Dublin or Belfast could connect to a site in Abu Dhabi or Japan without having to use an alternative network connection.

Cable Wireless has more than 1,000 customers across its Irish business, including Ryanair, Tesco Ireland, the Northern Ireland government and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.