13/02/2012

£25m Invested In Upgrading Mobile Telecomms

Northern Ireland is to receive a £25million upgrade to its 2G and 3G telecommunications network.

When the upgrade is completed at the end this year it is predicted that 3G coverage will be at 94%, a significant improvement on existing levels and in network performance and customer experience.



Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "This is excellent news for Northern Ireland. My Department has for a number of years recognised the importance of state-of-the-art telecommunications networks to the development of the economy. 



"News of an investment of this size in the growing mobile sector comes at an important time. My Department has consulted extensively on telecoms investment priorities for 2011-2015 and has received endorsement for proposals to examine ways to deliver improvements in high-speed mobile delivery.

"We are in detailed discussions with the UK Government to source sizeable funding to deliver a 4G platform to allow us to benefit from the next evolution of mobile services."

Reinforcing her commitment to further improve mobile coverage in Northern Ireland, the Minister announced her intention to bring together the Mobile Operators Association, representative body for the UK’s four mobile network operators, the network operators and Members of the Legislative Assembly to discuss opportunities. 



Ms Foster said: "I have been approached by the Mobile Operators Association and asked to sponsor an event at Parliament Buildings to stimulate debate on development of mobile networks. I will be writing to all MLAs in due course to encourage them to come along to this event and engage with the key stakeholders."

(LB)

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