IrelandOffline
Encyclopedia
IrelandOffline is an Irish consumer pressure group which was set up on 13 May 2001 to lobby for universal, affordable internet access
in Ireland
.
In early May 2001, the internet service provider
Esat discontinued provision to 2000 users of its "IOL
Surf No Limits" internet access package - a flat rate
package - for what it deemed "excessive usage" of the service. This prompted discussions by disgruntled users on the ie.comp newsgroup
, where it was decided that a pressure group was required to lobby Eircom
(the former state-owned monopoly
), Esat, Comreg (formerly the ODTR), and the Irish Government
to take effective action that would ultimately result in universal Broadband Internet access
to every home in the country.
Since its founding, IrelandOffline has changed its strategy and objectives as the market in Ireland has evolved. IrelandOffline's current objective is Affordable Internet access for all;
Ireland Offline terminated its operation in August 2007 with Ireland still ranking low in the European broadband availability and usage statistics.
IrelandOffline have reformed as of January 2009 due to the lack of activity, in regard to the provisioning of broadband, in the telecommunications sector since previously terminating.
Internet access
Many technologies and service plans for Internet access allow customers to connect to the Internet.Consumer use first became popular through dial-up connections in the 20th century....
in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
.
In early May 2001, the internet service provider
Internet service provider
An Internet service provider is a company that provides access to the Internet. Access ISPs directly connect customers to the Internet using copper wires, wireless or fiber-optic connections. Hosting ISPs lease server space for smaller businesses and host other people servers...
Esat discontinued provision to 2000 users of its "IOL
Ireland On-Line
Ireland On-Line is a large ISP in the Republic of Ireland, and is owned by BT Ireland. The largest internet service in Ireland is eircom. It was the first commercial internet service provider in the state. The company is one of Ireland's largest ISPs and offers email in addition to other Internet...
Surf No Limits" internet access package - a flat rate
Flat rate
A flat fee, also referred to as a flat rate or a linear rate, refers to a pricing structure that charges a single fixed fee for a service, regardless of usage. Rarely, it may refer to a rate that does not vary with usage or time of use...
package - for what it deemed "excessive usage" of the service. This prompted discussions by disgruntled users on the ie.comp newsgroup
Newsgroup
A usenet newsgroup is a repository usually within the Usenet system, for messages posted from many users in different locations. The term may be confusing to some, because it is usually a discussion group. Newsgroups are technically distinct from, but functionally similar to, discussion forums on...
, where it was decided that a pressure group was required to lobby Eircom
Eircom
Eircom Group LTD is a telecommunications company in the Republic of Ireland, and a former state-owned incumbent. It is currently the largest telecommunications operator in the Republic of Ireland and operates primarily on the island of Ireland, with a point of presence in Great Britain.As Bord...
(the former state-owned monopoly
Monopoly
A monopoly exists when a specific person or enterprise is the only supplier of a particular commodity...
), Esat, Comreg (formerly the ODTR), and the Irish Government
Politics of the Republic of Ireland
Ireland is a parliamentary, representative democratic republic and a member state of the European Union. While the head of state is the popularly elected President of Ireland, this is a largely ceremonial position with real political power being vested in the indirectly elected Taoiseach who is...
to take effective action that would ultimately result in universal Broadband Internet access
Broadband Internet access
Broadband Internet access, often shortened to just "broadband", is a high data rate, low-latency connection to the Internet— typically contrasted with dial-up access using a 56 kbit/s modem or satellite Internet with inherently high latency....
to every home in the country.
Since its founding, IrelandOffline has changed its strategy and objectives as the market in Ireland has evolved. IrelandOffline's current objective is Affordable Internet access for all;
- Affordable -- comparable with other countries for comparable services.
- Internet -- functional narrowband access (that is, not at rates as low as the 14 kbit/s currently available to a substantial number of households), and proper broadband access.
- Access -- accessible to every household in the country.
Ireland Offline terminated its operation in August 2007 with Ireland still ranking low in the European broadband availability and usage statistics.
IrelandOffline have reformed as of January 2009 due to the lack of activity, in regard to the provisioning of broadband, in the telecommunications sector since previously terminating.