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Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte has welcomed the launch of 4G services in Ireland. 4G services allow users internet access at data speeds up to 10 times faster than current quality.

Commenting on the launch of the service today by eircom the Minister said:

These substantial commercial investments are a clear indication of investor confidence in the recovering economy. Access to 4G services will maintain and boost this country’s competitiveness.

The mobile operators paid some €845m for the available spectrum in last year’s auction. €450m of which went to the Exchequer immediately with the balance to be paid over by Telecoms companies on a phased basis over the coming years.

4G services provided over mobile phones and other connected equipment such as iPad and laptops allow users to access data speeds up to 10 times faster than current 3G technologies. Users can send and receive emails, browse the internet, play games, download apps and music or upload content to social media at higher speed and without interruption than is currently possible. The speeds available to the business sector will match those available elsewhere for web browsing and video streaming.