Empey keys in to telecommunications

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, has told the Northern Ireland Assembly that telecommunications is a "key infrastructure matter" that is central to the economic development of Northern Ireland.

The Minister highlighted the key parameters of the telecommunications issue, outlined Northern Ireland’s position in relation to telecommunications provision, and addressed the initiatives currently being pursued by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment.

Sir Reg said: “This is a complex area, with a wide range of different technologies, many still at an early stage of development. Yet, while the technology is developing at an exponential pace, the sector is experiencing turbulent times.

“The study commissioned by my Department from Mason Communications has identified that Northern Ireland’s backbone telecommunications network is on a par with international standards. The key issue is local access, linking companies to the broadband network at costs which can be justified."

With the Programme for Government putting strong emphasis on the development of a cutting-edge telecommunications infrastructure for Northern Ireland, Sir Reg said his Department's primary aim was to "stimulate demand for broadband services by demonstrating to industry what each technology can contribute."

He said that initiatives, such as the recently announced SME Broadband Satellite Programme, were encouraging companies to examine how they can be more competitive by embracing high speed Internet access.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, is seeking to work with both the public and private sectors to examine ways of extending broadband technologies to as wide a range of users as possible across Northern Ireland.

In particular local councils are seen as having an important collaborative role to play in stimulating demand for telecommunications within their communities.

(SP)