The 2006 census shows that Ballyhaunis has pretty poor PC ownership and broadband access.
PC ownership is at 37% of households . The national average is 56%.
Uptake of Broadband in Ballyhaunis is confined to just under 10% (57 households). Only a 6 towns have lower residential uptake of broadband in Ireland - the lowest being Castlebridge in Wexford at just 3.25% (19 out of 583 households). The average for the country is just 19%.
Broadband is available in many Mayo towns - Castlebar, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis to name a few - but there are still plently of rural dwellers outside the towns who can’t get broadband via the phone line. Either they are too far from the exchange - or the lines just aren’t good enough. There is an alternative - it is more expensive - but if you are a heavy internet user it could be worth it.
Digiweb Satellite Broadband starts at around 99 euro a month compared to about 40 euro for “normal ” broadband. There is an installation fee and equipment fee which might seem high - but if you look at it as a long term investment it is not too bad. You could wait for the government to get rural broadband working - but that could be a long time…
Don’t get too excited though - it’s just for 2 hours a week at the Family Resource Centre. It is only available on Monday evening between 8 - 10pm. The Community Internet service is open to anyone - they have 10 computers available, all of which have a broadband Internet connection. The service begins on Monday 26th March and is free of charge - please feel welcome to drop in to the Family Resource Centre at St. Mary’s Abbey on a Monday evening or Tel. 094-9630031 to book your place in advance.
I hope they have got plenty of virus protection!
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