Changing times: Fast broadband to reach over 9,000 rural premises across Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced that Fibrus Networks Ltd have been appointed to deliver Project Gigabit.
The £34.6milion contract, funded by the UK government, begins immediately and will bring gigabit-capable broadband to over 9,000 rural premises across Northern Ireland.
Project Gigabit is the UK government’s programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access gigabit-capable broadband and builds on the success of Project Stratum, which brought high speed broadband access to 81,000 premises in Northern Ireland.
At 94% gigabit capable coverage, the North now has the best coverage across these islands. England has 85%, Scotland has 78%, Wales has 76%, while the South has 88%.
Economy Minister Archibald said: “High quality internet access is vital for our economy and wider society. It is transformative for many households and businesses, enabling access to digital services, remote learning and work, and economic participation.
“At 94% gigabit capable coverage, the north is now the best connected part of these islands.
“Building on this, Project Gigabit will extend this level of digital capacity to over 9,000 premises, further improving broadband infrastructure in predominantly rural areas.
“Digital connectivity is a vital enabler in building an inclusive, regional balanced economy. This investment further positions the north as a leader in the availability of fixed-line fibre optic services, underpinning our digital transformation, competitiveness, and innovation.”
Telecoms Minister, Liz Lloyd said: “Access to gigabit-capable broadband is so important to modern life, whether that’s running a business, accessing digital public services, or staying connected with loved ones.
“That’s why we’re making crucial investments into digital infrastructure across Northern Ireland, to unlock economic opportunities, support Northern Irish communities, and ensure everyone can fully participate in the digital economy from wherever they live.”
Dominic Kearns, CEO and Co Founder of Fibrus: “Delivering for rural communities is at the heart of what we do at Fibrus and this contract allows us to continue to provide more homes and businesses with the opportunities proper connectivity brings.
“We have a short history in Fibrus, but one that shows we can deliver on time and within budget like with Project Stratum.
“We are delighted to have been awarded another contract by the Government who have entrusted us once again with its delivery.”
More details of the deployment plans are available at:
www.online.economy-ni.gov.uk/ProjectGigabit/.
This includes a premises checker to enable homeowners and businesses to check if their premises will benefit from Project Gigabit.
When Down News, an online newspaper covering County Down started in October 2009, it was the first fully online newspaper in the North using social media apps.
Initially broadband coverage was poor but it was destined to grow and now 16 years on in the North Project Gigabit can now reach many of those homes that were previously unaccessible.
Project Gigabit will improve access to broadband to rural premises across the North says Mason
Project Gigabit will help build regional balance and a more inclusive economy Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said.
The South Down MLA was commenting after the Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald announced that Fibrus Networks Ltd are to deliver Project Gigabit.
“Project Gigabit will bring high-quality internet access to thousands of rural homes and businesses across the north,” Ms. Mason said.
“From accessing digital services to learning and working from home, digital connectivity is vital for growing our economy and keeping society connected while also delivering further regional balance.
“The North is already the best-connected part of these islands and Project Gigabit will further extend and improve broadband infrastructure in mainly rural areas.
“Sinn Féin is committed to delivering regional balance and ensuring communities in the north see real and positive change through projects like this.”
