Minister welcomes broadband stimulation campaign

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds today welcomed BT Wholesale’s new marketing campaign to promote the importance of access to broadband.

The broadband campaign will be targeting Strabane, Fermanagh, Omagh, Magherafelt and Moyle District Council Areas.

Commenting on the campaign Minister Dodds said: “Government has invested heavily in the provision of 100% access to broadband across all of Northern Ireland through DETI’s contract with BT. Since December 2005 every business and household wanting to avail of a broadband connection can. This campaign will ensure that the benefits of this investment are maximised for every internet user across Northern Ireland.

“The government recognises the importance of broadband as a key enabler for Northern Ireland’s economy. It has reflected this as one of its aims in the recent Draft Programme for Government. It plans to work with the business sector to deliver widespread access for businesses to deliver a next generation broadband network by 2011.”

The Minister continued: “There is growing evidence which demonstrates the vital contribution broadband makes to increasing productivity and competitiveness. It provides high value added employment opportunities to drive forward an increasingly knowledge based economy.”

Notes to Editors:

1. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297.
2. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.