FireFly Networks is a wireless high speed internet service provider (WISP). Established in 2003 with one tower in Ballinifad, the network has grown to eight towers and over 150 customers. In 2010 at least two more towers will be added. See maps for our service area.

It is our intent to always provide a high level of customer service and help serve the community in which we operate in a positive manner. Unlike most utilities and mass service providers, you will always be treated fairly and by someone directly involved with the business. We may not always be able to answer the phone right away (we are a small business) but you can count on us to personally respond within a reasonable time and to do our best to help you.

While FireFly is looking to expand our service area, we also have a strong mandate to constantly improve our service to existing customers. We are also introducing a ‘tech support’ division, capable of helping customers with all their technology needs. This can include computer diagnostics, training, video security and surveillance.

Technology upgrades are constantly made in order to make our service as good as it can be. It is important to note however that this is a shared service and much like when all the taps are turned on in a house the water pressure will drop, speed of service can drop during peak times. We do our best to limit heavy downloading during these times so our customers are affected less by implementing our Fair Access Policy (FAP) when necessary. FAP is our way of limiting the speed for heavy down and up loaders to help ensure a reasonable bandwidth speed for our other customers.

When John Ludchen identified a need in the area for high speed internet service he brought over 20 years of experience in computer technology, specifically with networking, into the mix. Earlier in his career, he spent several years with the Royal Bank helping introduce the concept of Local Area Networks (LAN) to the bank. This career path then progressed to working with various companies involved in wireless technology, cabling, network security and radio technology. All of this has provided the solid foundation from which John was able to launch Firefly. Providing service into the area presents a formidable challenge. Dense tree lines and multiple elevation changes provide natural obstacles. And wireless technology has not always kept pace with consumer demand for bandwidth. (ie: higher speed) However through John’s vision and hard work, we are proud to have brought the world wide web to the people in this rural area. And in our view, this makes John an internet pioneer!