The digital superhighway now extends to the most remote of the Aran Islands, after Viatel brought 100Mbps broadband to Inis Meáin Knitting Company.

The company is located on Inis Meáin and was founded in 1976 by Tarlach de Blácam and Áine Ní Chonghaile (pictured).

The original aim of the knitting company was to provide employment for young locals to help stem the plight of immigration. As the years passed, Tarlach and Áine began exporting to the mainland to help scale the business.

Inis Meáin Knitting is inspired by traditional Aran knitwear worn by the local fishermen. The firm’s garments are now exported across the globe, stocked alongside premium designer brands on 5th Avenue and in designer boutiques in Milan, Paris and Tokyo.

Running the business on a remote island involves a number of challenges, among them the lack of broadband infrastructure.

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“We have waited ten years for the National Broadband Plan and we could not wait any longer,” de Blácam explained. “After searching the market, we finally engaged with Viatel and they deployed 100Mbps broadband in weeks – not years. We are now in a position to realise our digital ambitions.”

Damien McCann, director of sales and marketing in Viatel said his firm was delighted to provide a service to Inis Meáin Knitting that will help scale the business to its full potential.

“The slow roll out of the National Broadband Plan is hindering hundreds of business like this knitting company in rural Ireland. Our team thrive on connecting business in perceived difficult-to-reach locations.”