The company is in the process of installing Wimax technology, based on a standard created by chip maker Intel, across its wireless broadband network.

Intel's new Wimax chips, which the company is aiming to bring to market in a range of devices such as mobile phones, laptops and PDAs in 2008, make it possible to make a wireless internet connection across distances of up to five kilometres. Irish Broadband describes Wimax as "wi-fi on steroids".

Chief executive Neil Parkinson said the company has spent around 13m this year upgrading its network and that to date around half the network is Wimax-enabled. Irish Broadband will step up the process next year. It expects to have over 80% coverage in Dublin in 12 to 18 months and will then step up its efforts around the country.

The company's goal is to offer mobile broadband, enabling its customers to have a highspeed internet connection on laptops, PDAs or mobile phones throughout the country.

Irish Broadband is also set to sign up to a Europe-wide roaming agreement which would allow its subscribers to get web access using partner networks outside Ireland.

Irish Broadband's network upgrade will eventually allow it to offer mobile phone services.

Parkinson said Samsung has already launched its first Wimax-enabled phone.

In the US, meanwhile, mobile telecoms giant Sprint Nextel is rolling out Wimax technology to replace its current mobile network.