Wireless Broadband for Home Users

Frequently Asked Questions about Wireless Broadband

• Does Blacknight Broadband offer static IP addresses?

  Yes, Blacknight Broadband customers get a static IPV4 and IPV6 IP address with their service at no extra charge.

  We do not use Carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT).

• Will I really get the full connection speed as advertised? 

  Yes. 

  In the case of FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home) products, the agreed data speed is delivered in full to the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) on your premises. The actual speed measured on different devices will depend on the number of devices you are using and the configuration of your internal network, including switches and routers, copper wiring, and the positioning of WiFi access points. 

  In the case of FTTC (Fibre-to-the-Cabinet) the agreed data speed will be delivered to the fibre distribution cabinet and then carried by copper wire to the premises. The data speed measured at the premises will depend on how much distance was covered by copper. This is why the FTTC 100 speed is advertised as “Up to 100Mbps”. In order to ensure customer satisfaction, we will not install FTTC products where the download speed is less than 30 Mbps (or the upload less than 8 Mbps) 

  Wireless broadband data speeds depend on distance and other geographical factors. For that reason, these products are also advertised with data speeds “Up to” a desired maximum. 

• What is Fibre Broadband?

  Optical fibres carry pulses of light to transmit information in the fastest way possible: literally at the speed of light! Fibre networks are replacing traditional copper wires to carry data over large distances. Increasingly, fibre connections can be made all the way to a premises (FTTP – Fibre to the Premises) or to a nearby exchange or network cabinet, with the last part of the signal carried over copper wire (FTTC – Fibre to the Cabinet).

• What is the difference between FTTP and FTTC?

  The advantage of optical fibres over copper wire is that the signal quality does not degrade significantly with the distance carried. The further a signal must travel on copper, the lower the data transmission rate has to be, in order to compensate for the signal degradation. Because of this, it is desirable to maximise the portion of the network which uses fibre.

  ‘Fibre to the Premises’ (FTTP) describes a system in which an optical fiber is run from the central office all the way to the premises occupied by the subscriber. It is also referred to as Fibre to the Home (FTTH).

  ‘Fibre to the Cabinet’ (FTTC) describes a system in which the optical network terminates at a telecommunications cabinet serving a neighbourhood, and the signal is then carried a relatively short distance on copper, from the cabinet to the subscriber premises.

  Because of the cost and time involved in replacing copper networks with fibre, FTTC can reach a greater number of premises, but FTTP connections, when available, offer much faster connections.

• Is Broadband Unlimited?

  Yes, all of our broadband plans include unlimited downloads. Please see our “Fair Usage” policy in our broadband terms and conditions for details.

• Do you offer Home Phone services?

  No, our broadband is a standalone product. You do not require a phone line to avail of our broadband services.
  However, if you already have an existing phone that you wish to keep you can continue your phone connection with your existing provider, and move only your broadband services to Blacknight.

• Do I need a landline to get Broadband?

  No, we don’t require a landline connection to provide Broadband.

• I already have fibre broadband with another provider, can I switch to Blacknight?

  Yes, of course you can.

  We’ll need your UAN (Universal Account Number) if you know it, or your customer number with your current provider. This information can most easily be found on your bill.

• How long does installation take from ordering to delivery?

  If you currently have fibre broadband through another provider, it should take between 1 and 3 days from confirmation of your order, to switch your service to Blacknight. In many instances, this can be done virtually without having to visit the premises. 

  If we need to do a completely new install, it should take between 3 and 10 business days in most cases, depending on local circumstances. We will contact you to arrange an appointment for your installation.

• What is a WiFi Booster and will I need one?

  Broadband brings the internet into your home. Then WiFi delivers it to your devices around the house. But you can’t reach every nook and cranny with a single WiFi node. 

  That’s where WiFi Booster comes in. A mesh network allows you to extend the signal where you need it to go, and access it anywhere using a single network name (SSID) and password.

  If you already use Wifi, you may already know if there are WiFi black spots in your home. If in doubt, you can leave it out for now and order it later when you’re broadband is up and running.

• Where is Blacknight Wireless Broadband available?

  Wireless Broadband by Blacknight is available in the Carlow area only. It’s designed to provide a service to premises which are not served by fibre. To find out if your location is covered, please choose either Home or Business Wireless, and complete the form with your Eircode.

• Can I opt for an annual subscription for my broadband service?

  Yes! Opting for our annual broadband plan comes with a special discount for those who pay the full year in advance. This plan means your contract will be for 12 months. Should you decide to cancel before the year is up, please note that charges will apply for the remaining months of the contract period.

  If you choose to upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time, your contract term will begin from the date you switched to your new plan.

• Is there a fixed-term contract period?

  Initially, your service agreement is for a fixed term of six months. Following this period, the contract automatically transitions to a month-to-month basis, allowing for more flexibility.

  If you choose to cancel within the initial six-month period, please note that you will be liable for any remaining charges up to the end of these six months.

  Additionally, we offer an option for an annual broadband subscription at a discounted rate. Opting for this plan means your contract is set for 12 months. Similar to the six-month plan, if you decide to cancel before the 12-month period concludes, you will be responsible for the remaining charges for the full year.”

  If you choose to upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time, your contract term will begin from the date you switched to your new plan.

  We also have a Flexible Broadband plan that has a 30-day rolling contract.

• What forms of payment are accepted?

  You can pay for Blacknight Broadband with a debit card, credit card or direct debit. You will need a card to make the initial payment. Then you can set up direct debit for the monthly recurring payments, or continue to pay by card.

  You cannot use cash, PayPal or cheques to pay for broadband.