Londonderry wins NI broadband Flagship Initiative

Londonderry is to be the base for the new Northern Ireland Broadband Flagship Initiative.

The initiative will explore the benefits of broadband networks in the delivery of e-tourism, e-learning and e-government in the City.

Announcing the decision, NIO Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment, Ian Pearson, said: “Broadband networks will permeate all aspects of our society in the future. This project draws on the strengths of the North West’s ICT skills and its education talent."

The Minister said financial support would be made available to assist in the development of the project that could leverage further support of up to £1 million from the DETI over the next three years under the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme.

The project has a number of strands including a leading edge wireless network within the City’s Walls, providing specific services for tourists such as historic information, eating guides and shopping opportunities to wireless devices such as PDAs or laptop computers.

There are plans for a number of broadband outreach centres in the city allowing people to access government services. The city will also develop the concept of a smart classroom providing a leading edge teaching environment to explore new ways of educating undergraduates.

“Once the project is up and running I would encourage other businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland to visit it and learn how broadband can boost their productivity and competitiveness," the Minister concluded.

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