How a Construction Company Saved €61,440 Annually on Broadband + Staff Mobile Costs

Client Overview: Transforming Connectivity for Construction in Ireland

Industry: Construction

Location: Ireland (nationwide)

Sites: 22 active construction sites

Staff: 80 senior staff and project-based roles

Company Background

The client is a well-established Irish construction company operating 22 live sites nationwide at any one time. Their workforce includes senior and project-critical roles such as:

• Managing Director

• Operations Director

• Contracts Manager

• Project Managers

• Site Managers

• Project and Site Engineers

• Quantity Surveyors

• Health & Safety Managers

• Design and Technical Managers

  
  

These teams rely daily on large drawings, plans, photos, reports, and cloud-based systems to keep projects moving safely and on schedule.

The Challenge: Connectivity Issues in Construction

Connectivity had become a major operational and cost issue across the business. Each of the 22 construction sites required broadband connectivity. Where possible, fixed-line broadband was installed, but it proved to be slow to deploy, difficult to move, and poorly suited to an active construction environment.

In practice:

• Fixed broadband often took months to install.

• Site compounds moved as projects progressed.

• Temporary offices changed location.

• Performance varied significantly by site.

  
  

Despite these limitations, the business was paying approximately:

• €200 per month per site in broadband costs

• €4,400 per month across 22 sites

  
  

Even with this spend, fixed broadband was not always available during early project phases and could not adapt easily as sites evolved. As a result, site teams regularly relied on mobile data as a workaround. At the same time, 80 senior staff and project managers were issued company mobile phones on €45 per month plans. Mobile data was routinely used to support core site tasks, including:

• Downloading large drawing packs and revised plans

• Accessing cloud-based project systems

• Uploading photos, reports, and safety documentation

  
  

Mobile networks were being asked to handle workloads they were not fit for purpose to support. Files timed out, uploads failed, and work slowed while teams waited for access. Costs increased on both sides—fixed broadband and mobile usage—while productivity suffered.

Cost Breakdown (Before)

Fixed Broadband

• €200 × 22 sites = €4,400 per month

  
  

Mobile Phone Plans

• €45 × 80 staff = €3,600 per month

  
  

Total Monthly Connectivity Cost: ➡ €8,000 per month

Despite this investment, site teams continued to experience delays, downtime, and frustration.

The Solution: A New Approach to Connectivity

We implemented a simplified, nationwide broadband model designed specifically for construction environments.

1. Site Construction Broadband – Fastcom Enterprise SIM

Fixed-line broadband was replaced with Fastcom enterprise SIM broadband on each site. This solution:

• Cost €40 per site per month

• Could be deployed immediately

• Moved easily as sites opened, closed, or relocated

• Delivered reliable performance suitable for file transfers

  
  

2. Mobile Phones – SIM-Only Plans

Staff mobile usage was separated from construction site broadband.

• Mobile plans were reduced from €45 to €25 per month

• Plans included unlimited calls, messaging, and mobile data usage.

• Phones no longer acted as the site's broadband connection.

  
  

Cost Breakdown (After)

Site Broadband

€40 × 22 sites = €880 per month

Mobile Phone Plans

€25 × 80 staff = €2,000 per month

Total Monthly Connectivity Cost: ➡ €2,880 per month

The Savings: A Significant Reduction in Costs

Monthly Savings

Previous cost: €8,000

New cost: €2,880

Monthly saving: €5,120

Annual Savings

➡ €61,440 per year

Operational Impact Across the Construction Business

Beyond the financial savings, the operational improvement was immediate.

• Large drawings and plans downloaded without delays.

• Updated files were accessible when needed.

• Photos and reports uploaded reliably.

• Site teams stopped relying on mobile hotspots.

• Connectivity moved easily as sites progressed.

  
  

Work flowed more smoothly across all 22 live sites. For construction companies operating nationwide, fixed broadband and mobile data workarounds were expensive, inflexible, and inefficient. By switching to Fastcom Enterprise SIM for site construction broadband and our Fastcom Freedom Mobile SIM Only plan for staff mobile phones, this client:

• Reduced connectivity costs by over €60,000 per year.

• Simplified site connectivity across Ireland.

• Improved productivity and reliability on every project.

  
  

If your construction broadband costs keep rising while performance stays the same, there’s a better way to do this. Get in touch to see what a simplified site broadband model could deliver for your business.

Contact Us Today

Call Us Today: +353 818 70 71 71

Email: sales@fastcom.ie

Visit our website

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Conclusion: Embracing Change for Better Connectivity

In the fast-paced world of construction, staying connected is crucial. The transition to a more flexible and cost-effective broadband solution has proven beneficial. By embracing new technologies, businesses can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and ensure that their teams have the tools they need to succeed.

If you're facing similar challenges, consider how a tailored broadband solution can transform your operations. Don't let outdated systems hold you back. Reach out today and discover the difference that reliable connectivity can make for your projects.