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26/09/2008
BT Boss Meets Robinson Over Broadband Investment
There has been a high level discussion on the way forward in internet telecommunications in Northern Ireland.
BT Chairman Sir Mike Rake met with First Minister Peter Robinson (pictured) at Stormont this week to discuss harnessing ICT technology in a way that could potentially transform the public sector.
A delegation of Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and senior officials also met with the top BT boss to discuss the telecommunication firm's role in assisting the Province's international competitiveness.
As well as meeting Mr Robinson, the BT Chairman also had discussions with Ministers Arlene Foster and Sir Reg Empey and the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Bruce Robinson.
Sir Mike discussed BT's vision for a better communications infrastructure, enhancing employment and skills levels in Northern Ireland.
The visit follows BT's recent announcement of plans to invest £1.5 billion to roll out fibre-based, super-fast broadband across NI, with a target date of 2012.
The massive programme is expected to deliver a range of services with top speeds of up to 100 megabytes with the potential for speeds of more than 1,000 megabytes in the future.
The investment forms part of BT's wider strategy of delivering next generation broadband services nationwide.
BT Chief Executive Ian Livingston, announcing the national investment in July, said: "This is a bold step by BT and we need others to be just as bold. We are keen to partner with people who share our vision for the next phase of the broadband revolution.
"We want to work with local and regional bodies to decide where and when we should focus the deployment. Our aim is that urban and rural areas alike will benefit from our investment."
Howeverm, the BT initiative is not the only one being undertaken in NI.
In January, Virgin Media supplied 180 Housing Association tenants in Belfast with high-speed internet access on a trial project.
The new development, on the site of the former North Cricket and Rugby Club on the Ormeau Road, was provided with infrastructure capable of delivering 20 megabytes per second - or greater - broadband services.
The trial specifically looked at the cost, technical and practical issues involved in installing infrastructure capable of delivering high speed broadband.
Two separate infrastructure designs were deployed - fibre to the cabinet and fibre to the home - allowing direct comparison between the two.
Alan McLeod, New Build Development Officer at Virgin Media, said at the launch: "We're proud to be contributing to this project to help shape the broadband strategy for Northern Ireland."
See: High-Speed Broadband For Belfast Tenants
See: NI set for 100% broadband access
(PR)(BMcC)
BT Chairman Sir Mike Rake met with First Minister Peter Robinson (pictured) at Stormont this week to discuss harnessing ICT technology in a way that could potentially transform the public sector.
A delegation of Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and senior officials also met with the top BT boss to discuss the telecommunication firm's role in assisting the Province's international competitiveness.
As well as meeting Mr Robinson, the BT Chairman also had discussions with Ministers Arlene Foster and Sir Reg Empey and the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Bruce Robinson.
Sir Mike discussed BT's vision for a better communications infrastructure, enhancing employment and skills levels in Northern Ireland.
The visit follows BT's recent announcement of plans to invest £1.5 billion to roll out fibre-based, super-fast broadband across NI, with a target date of 2012.
The massive programme is expected to deliver a range of services with top speeds of up to 100 megabytes with the potential for speeds of more than 1,000 megabytes in the future.
The investment forms part of BT's wider strategy of delivering next generation broadband services nationwide.
BT Chief Executive Ian Livingston, announcing the national investment in July, said: "This is a bold step by BT and we need others to be just as bold. We are keen to partner with people who share our vision for the next phase of the broadband revolution.
"We want to work with local and regional bodies to decide where and when we should focus the deployment. Our aim is that urban and rural areas alike will benefit from our investment."
Howeverm, the BT initiative is not the only one being undertaken in NI.
In January, Virgin Media supplied 180 Housing Association tenants in Belfast with high-speed internet access on a trial project.
The new development, on the site of the former North Cricket and Rugby Club on the Ormeau Road, was provided with infrastructure capable of delivering 20 megabytes per second - or greater - broadband services.
The trial specifically looked at the cost, technical and practical issues involved in installing infrastructure capable of delivering high speed broadband.
Two separate infrastructure designs were deployed - fibre to the cabinet and fibre to the home - allowing direct comparison between the two.
Alan McLeod, New Build Development Officer at Virgin Media, said at the launch: "We're proud to be contributing to this project to help shape the broadband strategy for Northern Ireland."
See: High-Speed Broadband For Belfast Tenants
See: NI set for 100% broadband access
(PR)(BMcC)
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16 January 2008
High-Speed Broadband For Belfast Tenants
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13 October 2006
Enterprise Minister praises Broadband Project
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24 February 2005
NI set for 100% broadband access
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NI set for 100% broadband access
Northern Ireland is on track to provide broadband access to every household and business by the end of 2005, Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner announced today. The news comes after it was confirmed that all of the 191 BT telephone exchanges throughout Northern Ireland have been upgraded to provide broadband services.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
