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In early May 2001, the ISP Esat discontinued provision to 2000 users of its " IOL Surf No Limits" internet access package - a flat rate package - for what it deemed "excessive usage" of the service. This prompted discussions by disgruntled users on the ie.comp newsgroup, where it was decided that a pressure group was required to lobby Eircom (the former state-owned monopoly), Esat, the ODTR, and the Irish Government to take effective action that would ultimately result in universal Broadband Internet accessThe term broadband Internet access often shortened to broadband Internet or just broadband , generically refers to last-mile Internet connections exceeding the bandwidth capabilities of standard analog modems and of ISDN connections. Broadband Internet co to every home in the country.
It is widely believed that IrelandOffline has had a significant impact on the marketplace, with many new products and services becoming available after strong lobbying by the organisation. Many believe that:
Since its founding, IrelandOffline has changed its strategy and objectives as the market in Ireland has evolved. IrelandOffline's current objective is Affordable Internet access for all;