24/06/2002

Local organisations asked to table broadband ideas

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, has asked local organisations to table their ideas and suggestions on developing innovative broadband flagship applications, content and services.

The Minister said broadband offered “fast, always on” internet access and that developments such as these had a wide range of applications and would be of interest to a variety of stakeholders.

He added: “This invitation is designed to stimulate innovative ideas and novel suggestions for flagship proposals that will help to embed and sustain a broadband based economy in Northern Ireland. I hope the response to this invitation will be as encouraging as the very positive response to our two previous broadband initiatives this year.”

The Minister highlighted the encouraging response to the DETI pilot programme to support small businesses in accessing satellite broadband technology, and to the more recent call, under the DTI Broadband Fund, for pilot demonstration projects and feasibility studies aimed at increasing broadband provision throughout Northern Ireland. Funding for these initiatives is being assisted through the European Union.

Sir Reg said: “If the responses to this invitation are sufficiently encouraging I will then issue a detailed Request for Proposals for flagship proposals for which approximately £2 million is currently provided.

“Later this year, and subject to resolution of any state aids issues, I also want to issue an Invitation to Tender for local access projects to sustain the momentum of broadband based economic development.”

Respondents have up until 27 September to table their ideas. Those who respond will be considered as potential bidders in the event of the Department subsequently issuing a request for proposals for which £2 million co-funding has been provided.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

16 August 2011
Guarded NI Welcome For 'Broader Internet Access'
The Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed additional money to help get NI firmly on the Internet highway - but has also said that it falls short of the level of help expected.
03 December 2009
Broadband Boosts Rural NI
A fresh investment of almost £50m in 'Next Generation Broadband' will be a great boost to towns, villages and the entire rural community across Northern Ireland. According to Stormont Agriculture & Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew, this fillip includes a £1.
22 March 2024
Northern Ireland's Best Areas For Broadband Revealed
West Belfast has been named the Northern Ireland area with the best broadband, according to a new study. The experts at Getac – Rugged Computing Solutions analysed data from Ofcom Connected Nations 2023 to reveal the spots with the best broadband.
11 January 2010
New Broadband Technology For NI Rural Areas
Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a further £88,000 for technology trials, to improve broadband services in rural areas across the country. The financial support, from the £1.9million Broadband Fund, has been awarded to two companies, H2O Ireland Limited and North West Electronics.
30 January 2002
Satellite broadband scheme set to boost local business
Aramiska has been selected to participate in a pilot satellite broadband scheme for businesses funded by the Industrial Research & Technology Unit in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Under the scheme Satellite Broadband for businesses will now become available to all small and medium-sized businesses in Northern Ireland.