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Foster reaffirms commitment to high-speed broadband provision in rural areas

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has today announced the award of a contract to deliver high-speed satellite broadband services to Onwave Ltd.
~ Friday, 6 January 2012

New to the Northern Ireland market, Onwave will deliver high-speed satellite broadband services in areas where, due to commercial and technical reasons, broadband cannot be accessed via telephone lines.

Announcing the award of the contract Arlene Foster said “This latest commitment by my Department recognises the ongoing need to ensure that everyone is able to access broadband services which play an important role in economic, educational and social development.

Welcoming Onwave into the Northern Ireland telecommunications marketplace the Minister continued: “I look forward to working with Onwave over the next three years as they roll-out delivery of their new broadband services. The products on offer mark an evolution in satellite broadband technology. Although there is an increase in costs for the new services, they are of a significantly higher specification than those previously available”.

Established in 2008, Onwave Ltd is one of Europe’s largest distributors of broadband over satellite. Having formed a strategic partnership with Eutelsat, Onwave is now delivering services using KA-Band technology which enables customers to avail of a more sophisticated telecommunications solution capable of delivering a ‘triple play’ service whereby they can enjoy high-speed internet access, television and telephone over a single broadband connection.

Notes to editors:

  1. The contract has been awarded for a period of three years from the date of contract signing.
  2. Under the contract, Onwave will be providing three product offerings i.e. a consumer, a small business and a small medium business service.
  3. All products provided under the contract will be available at wholesale prices, thus allowing their delivery by other Internet Service Providers.
  4. For press enquiries please contact DETI Press Office on tel: 028 9052 9604. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.