The Minister was speaking as she announced the successful completion of the first two projects supported under the £1.9m Broadband Fund, which have been delivered by North West Electronics and Avanti Communications.
Launched in August 2008, the Broadband Fund has a specific rural focus, offering financial support to organisations undertaking broadband technology trials in Northern Ireland or offering solutions for the commercial delivery of high speed, reliable broadband services. It is co-financed under the European Regional Development Fund Sustainable Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013.
The Minister said: “I launched the £1.9million Broadband Fund as a mechanism for piloting emerging technologies to keep Northern Ireland at the forefront of broadband evolution and to provide options for rural customers seeking cost-effective broadband solutions. The first two projects meet those objectives in full.
“With £237,000 of funds made available by my Department, North West Electronics has delivered an extensive fixed wireless network across large parts of the rural west offering high quality, affordable business and residential broadband packages to users. Commercial services are already being delivered.
“My Department prioritised locations across the rural west based on representations about the demand for services in the region. This solution provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that demand.”
Arlene Foster added: “I can also confirm a successful outcome to the trials undertaken by Avanti. Using existing satellite infrastructure they have been able to demonstrate how reliable 3G mobile services can be delivered into rural communities – a technology first for Northern Ireland. Avanti has presented its findings to key industry players, including the Regulator OFCOM, and is now examining the circumstances in which commercial services might be offered. As with the fixed wireless network, evidence of demand will be critical to such considerations.”
The Minister reinforced her ongoing commitment to using the Fund to further improve the range and quality of services available in rural areas.
She said: “My Department will continue to build on these successes. We already have two additional projects in delivery - the extension of the North West Electronics fixed wireless network into the Foyle Basin/North Sperrins areas and the creation of a new fixed wireless network across the Fermanagh and Tyrone borders by Net 1 Limited.”
Two further projects are due to begin in March/April. The first is the installation by H2O Ireland Limited of the fibre ring network around Enniskillen using the waste water infrastructure – the first time this solution will have been deployed in Northern Ireland. The second project involves extending the North West Electronics fixed wireless network across the North Antrim coast area.
Arlene Foster added: “My Department is making a difference and the commitment to address rural demand for broadband is there for all to see.”
Notes to editors:
- The Broadband Fund was launched on 7 August 2008. Nine applications for assistance were received under the 4th call.
- Access to the Fund is competitive, with applications scored by an evaluation panel. The Department maintains a strictly “technology neutral” approach, primarily seeking provision of a service as opposed to a particular technical solution.
- The actual amount of funding for each company cannot be released because of commercial in confidence reasons.
- Details on the Broadband Fund are available by request (telephone 028 9052 9560).
- Media enquiries please contact DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
