Vodafone has completed its national network upgrade with the conclusion of its programme in Cavan, Longford and the North West region. This now brings 4G coverage to over 90% of the population who use Vodafone in every county in Ireland, as well as improved voice and data.

Lutfullah Kitapci of Vodafone said: “Our upgrade programme has been a significant undertaking, investing over €550 million over three years. This project included a complete modernisation of the entire network, with brand-new 3G and 4G networks and refreshing the existing 2G network. This completion of this project in the North West region means that we can now provide 4G services to customers in every county in Ireland.”

According to Vodafone, customers now experience better call quality in addition to an improvement of over 40% in ability to make calls and over 80% in ability to retain a call connection. Other 4G benefits include watching videos without buffering, and instant file and photo upload.

Mayo sheep farmer John Lynskey commented: “A simple thing like a robust smartphone with good battery life and 4G can make a real and tangible difference to everyday farm management, from changing the way we do our business to critical health and safety matters.’’

Vodafone says that 4G is available free of charge to Vodafone prepay Data Extra and Extra customers, and subscribers to their Red and Red Extra billpay plans.

In Association with

Special Offers

To celebrate 4G speeds being available in Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Sligo, and Roscommon, Vodafone is offering bill pay customers in these counties €50 off 4G-enabled Samsung S6, HTC A9 and Sony Z5, and €20 off 4G-enabled PAYG handsets including the Vodafone Smart Speed, Vodafone Smart Prime and Vodafone Smart Ultra4, with €20 off the R216 4G mobile broadband device. The offer expires on  May 11.

Photos: John Lynskey, the IFA’s National Sheep Chairman, on his farm at Ballyweela, Co Mayo, with former Rose of Tralee. Maria Walsh. (Pix: Shane O'Neill Photography)