Broadband provider Blacknight has introduced a new product, Flexi Broadband, which enables customers to turn on and off their broadband as they need it.

The company said that Flexi Broadband is offered through the NBI network, with connection speeds of 500 Mbps (€54.99 a month), or 1 Gbps (€69.99).

The service is offered anywhere in Ireland serviced by the National Broadband Ireland network.

As of mid-February, NBI says its network has passed 119,000 premises, with 129,000 premises available for order/pre-order.

Blacknight CEO Michele Neylon explained: “Broadband providers want to lock you in to a contract long-term. Flexi broadband allows you to only pay for broadband when you are using it. It makes it easier for customers to connect and disconnect without paying a penalty.

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“If you are a holiday home owner, or someone who manages a seasonal business, this service is our answer to give you the flexibility you need, while also saving money.”

After paying the once off installation fee, and when the broadband service is active for 30 days, customers will have the option to pause the service from their control panel.

“Then when they’re ready to activate the service again, they simply switch it back on in their control panel, and it will be ready and waiting for them when they arrive at their property or location,” Neylon added.

“You can reactivate for a minimum of 30 days, or several months. This new service offers the flexibility you need to have broadband only when you need it.”

Blacknight CTO Paul Kelly commented: “With the revolution in remote working in Ireland post-Covid, this is a great way for Ireland’s digital nomads to make sure they have reliable and fast internet access wherever they are.”

Blacknight envisages demand for the service from holiday homes, and hotels, shops and restaurants in tourist areas that are only open in the summer months. Flexi broadband is also aimed at student accommodation providers.

Joe Lavin, chief commercial officer of National Broadband Ireland, said: “Those who have signed up to NBI’s high-speed fibre through Blacknight can now avail of a more cost-effective offering that allows you to only pay for the broadband when you need broadband.

“NBI’s mission is make sure that no one is left behind when it comes to access to super-fast broadband no matter how remote the location and Blacknight is ensuring they meet the needs of all the different kinds of customers as well as helping with cost-of-living pressures.”

An Eircode checker on the Blacknight website shows where the Flexi Broadband service is available.