The funding from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s (DETI) £1.9million Broadband Fund has been awarded to London-based Avanti Communications Group plc, which specialises in the deployment and operation of satellite and mobile broadband networks.
For a very small number of broadband customers in Northern Ireland, mostly in rural areas, satellite is used to deliver access to broadband services. DETI’s funding will now allow Avanti to carry out technology trials to examine how the existing satellite infrastructure can be used help deliver third generation (3G) communications, voice and data, into such remote regions.
The Broadband Fund, which is co-financed under the European Regional Development Fund Sustainable Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013, has a specific rural focus and aims to assist companies undertaking broadband technology trials in Northern Ireland.
Announcing the £120,000 worth of funding, Arlene Foster said: “The Avanti technology trials, which will be carried out in Ballintoy in County Antrim and Ballinamallard in County Fermanagh, are strategically very important. They carry significant potential for the emergence of commercial services that can offer reliable, low-cost voice and mobile data services into remote areas of Northern Ireland.
“The Avanti project also has the potential to set new precedents for Northern Ireland as the first region to bridge the digital divide and bring 100% mobile and voice coverage to rural locations.”
The Minister is committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland receives quality and affordable broadband connectivity.
She said: “I am determined that the £1.9million Broadband Fund will be used to build on our achievement as the first region in Europe able to offer 100% broadband coverage. In addition, we must ensure that we get the best possible, value for money, solutions for widespread deployment of next generation broadband services.
“Today’s funding announcement demonstrates the important role that government plays in advancing a modern communications infrastructure. I now look to Avanti to build upon its proven track record in delivering broadband services.”
Graham Peters, Project Director, Avanti Communications Group plc, said: “In areas below a certain population density the costs to mobile operators in deploying conventional 2G/3G infrastructure can be prohibitive. Mobile base stations were originally scaled to cope with voice traffic and the very high data traffic now created by the use of mobile internet devices creates a big problem for operators. Avanti can solve that problem more cost effectively and flexibly via satellite than any other technology.
“Securing this funding under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme is significant. While the project will deploy the core of a network in Northern Ireland, ultimately the results are capable of being exploited across the whole of Europe, taking Avanti firmly into a new market.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Broadband Fund was launched on 7 August 2008.
- 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 Fund will operate to 2013, with a mid-point evaluation scheduled for 2011.
- Details on the project 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.
