Broadband breakthrough speeds to Northern Ireland

UK E-Commerce Minister Douglas Alexander and Northern Ireland Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, have outlined further plans to bring high-speed broadband services to Northern Ireland.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) is to receive £1.46 million for a range of initiatives including encouraging SMEs to take up high speed broadband services; helping to develop sector initiatives; and examining innovative ways of providing affordable broadband connections to businesses.

In addition, with a two-way flow of information that is “always connected” broadband has the potential to encourage companies to take advantage of e-business. Companies will be able to respond quicker to customer needs and make more efficient use of their connection time.

Douglas Alexander said: “The UK is amongst the world’s leaders for internet access and e-commerce. In order to maintain this position, our challenge is to advance broadband internet access.

“The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is embarking on innovative and exciting projects that could make a real difference to the roll-out of broadband infrastructure, especially in rural areas where access is currently limited.

“Broadband makes a real difference, not only to successful e-commerce, but to a successful economy – opening up brand new opportunities for businesses, leisure and lifestyle initiatives. For the individual user broadband will offer a whole new surfing experience. Ensuring that more people can take advantage of this – regardless of where we live – is a major priority. And Northern Ireland is taking important steps in that direction.”

Sir Reg said: “Support for Telecommunications development is central to Northern Ireland’s economic development, in particular in building a knowledge based economy.

“It is important that businesses are familiar with the various telecoms options available and can choose the method which best suits their needs. This is why some of this funding will go towards raising awareness and encouraging companies to educate themselves to make best use of new broadband services.”

IRTU are currently holding workshops across Northern Ireland aimed at raising awareness on the benefits of broadband to Northern Ireland businesses.

The Mason report published in November 2001 assessed Northern Ireland’s infrastructure for telecoms developments – a full copy of the report is available at www.irtu-ni.gov.uk .

(SP)