In the decade since Ireland’s historic 2015 marriage equality referendum, which saw 62% of voters support same-sex marriage, the LGBTQ+ community has made significant strides. One Dublin couple, among the first same-sex pairs to marry in Roscommon, reflects on the emotional victory and the deeper meaning of their union in a county that voted "No." While marriage was a milestone, securing full parental rights for their four children revealed ongoing legal complexities. Despite their success, many LGBTQ+ families still struggle for recognition and protection under Irish law. The couple highlights the evolving visibility of LGBTQ+ families in Irish society, from schools to community events, and the growing confidence of younger generations. However, rising hate crimes and persistent discrimination underscore the need for continued advocacy. For this family, Pride Month is both a celebration and a reminder of the work ahead. They call for systemic legal reforms to ensure all LGBTQ+ families in Ireland enjoy equal rights and protections.

To thrive in the era of Generative AI (GenAI), organisations must prioritise secure, scalable interconnectivity and robust infrastructure. This article explores how global interconnectivity—especially at the telco edge—forms the foundation for AI readiness, enabling businesses to harness vast datasets, accelerate innovation, and unlock new commercial models. GenAI is reshaping industries by enhancing efficiency, personalisation, and data-driven decision-making. However, its success hinges on the ability to process and move data seamlessly across networks. Traditional telco infrastructures often fall short, lacking the agility and performance needed for AI workloads. In contrast, solutions like BT’s Global Fabric Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) offer flexible, scalable, and secure connectivity tailored for AI demands. Security is another critical pillar. With large language models (LLMs) handling sensitive data, robust encryption, access controls, and digital sovereignty are essential. Recent research highlights that cybersecurity is a top priority for enterprises, prompting major network upgrades. Ultimately, the article emphasises that choosing the right strategic partners—those who can deliver integrated, AI-ready connectivity and security—is key to unlocking the full potential of GenAI and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Interconnectivity is crucial for modern businesses, enhancing digital transformation and operational efficiency. By 2028, digital revenue will dominate, making robust interconnectivity essential. Key benefits include seamless data access, improved collaboration, and integration with partner networks. Effective interconnectivity drives productivity, competitiveness, and innovation, while poor connectivity hampers business operations. Critical factors for successful interconnectivity include strategic location, ease of use, flexibility, trust, and cost optimization. Embracing these elements ensures businesses thrive in the digital economy, leveraging network-as-a-service solutions for sustained success.

Several key trends from the data economy to security and sustainability are impacting businesses in 2025. Many of these trends are not only driving innovation but also redefining how businesses operate and interact with their environments. Here is a a look at the top three trends we see dominating the telecommunications industry and Irish businesses this year.

For financial services companies, including banks, insurance companies, and investment firms, the DORA (Digital Operational Resilience) Act is a new piece of EU regulation that threatens to pose a bigger challenge than GDPR.

According to a recent study, 86% of multinational corporations regard sustainability as the most important factor for top level decision-making. Indeed, over 3,900 companies have now formally committed to clear carbon reduction targets for measuring and reducing CO2 emissions.

In the final blog of our three-part series, we explore the imperative of aligning with NIS2 regulations. Dónal Munnelly, BT's CyberSecurity Proposition Manager, highlights the directive's aim to bolster industry resilience against cyber threats and emphasises the need for long-term planning amidst evolving risks.

From site to cloud and cloud to cloud: redefining connectivity with Network-as-a-Service

To close the gap between where you are and where you need to be for NIS2 compliance, you need to know where to start. NIS2 tailored workshops will focus on the specific areas around cybersecurity that the new EU directive is centred around. Find out more within our second blog in our NIS2 series.

In our first blog in a three-part series, we discuss what the NIS2 Directive is and how the US along with other global multinationals can prepare to meet the regulation deadline.

Discover how BT addresses Operational Technology (OT) security risks in this insightful blog by Dónal Munnelly, CyberSecurity Proposition Manager. Learn about the challenges of OT convergence, the importance of cultural alignment, and the steps BT takes to protect OT environments.