New technology means satellite broadband will now be a competitive option for tens of thousands more Irish households, according to executives at service providers Onwave and Digiweb.

Both companies unveiled new satellite-based broadband packages earlier this week, which saw prices drop and speeds increase.Onwave will offer its customers a triple-play service of 6Mbit/sec broadband, television and phone for €45 per month after a €249 installation fee. Speeds can currently go up to 10Mbit/sec.

Both Onwave and Digiweb’s services use the new KA-SAT satellite, which transmits multiple beams across Europe to give a more focused and reliable service.