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)

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