As many providers block IRC SomeNet started offering Firewall bypassing IRC.
It is simply IRC running on port 443 (which is normally https and therefore in most cases permitted)

a.irc.somenet.org

This server runs IRC-Services.

Normal IRC: irc://a.irc.somenet.org:6667

SSL-encrypted IRC: ircs://a.irc.somenet.org:6665

SSL-encrypted IRC (bypassing firewalls): irc://a.irc.somenet.org:443

b.irc.somenet.org

This server runs WebIRC and CGI:IRC.

Normal IRC: irc://b.irc.somenet.org:6667

SSL-encrypted IRC: ircs://b.irc.somenet.org:6665

Normal IRC (bypassing firewalls): irc://b.irc.somenet.org:443

c.irc.somenet.org

This backup server is online if a.irc... or b.irc... are expected to be down for some time.

z.irc.somenet.org

Server not publically accessible.

Running the peer bot.

To be shut down.

mobile.somenet.loc

Server not publically accessible.

This is a testserver.