Minister welcomes £3.5million Eircom investment

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds today welcomed a £3.5million investment by eircom in its telecommunications infrastructure across Northern Ireland.

The Minister said: “This is an important announcement by eircom, not only because it is investing in its network and services but because it will bring more competition and choice to businesses and consumers across many areas of Northern Ireland.”

Today's announcement includes establishing a state-of-the-art network operations centre in Belfast, which will employ 15 people in high value added jobs, such as network engineers. Eircom’s investment provides a strong foundation to develop and offer increased services to public sector and business customers. The company plans to make further investment as it increases its presence, in what it sees as an attractive market with significant opportunities.

Mr Dodds added: “Access to world class telecommunications infrastructure, such as that being provided by eircom, is crucial for all Northern Ireland companies if they are to improve their competitiveness and increase growth.”

According to Pierre Danon, Chairman of eircom: "Today’s investment announcement demonstrates eircom’s commitment to establishing a significant presence in Northern Ireland. Not only will this investment introduce more competition and bring new jobs to the telecommunications sector in Northern Ireland, it also means we can increase our ability to offer a full range of integrated solutions and services to customers in the business and public sector markets. We look forward to growing and developing the telecommunications market in this key market for eircom.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Eircom began work on its core network around Northern Ireland in 2006 and this will be completed later this year.
2. For media enquiries please contact DETI Press Office, tel: 028 9052 9263.
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