This trial initiative offers participants a range of broadband speeds starting from 512 kilobits per second up to 8 Megabits per second.
Announcing the connection to the pilot scheme Economy Minister Arlene Foster said: “This pilot initiative provides an opportunity to work with the private sector to examine the longer term sustainability of such technology and their application for the business sector.
“It will allow telecoms companies, business and government to improve their understanding of how to achieve the best value for money in providing access to similar services across Northern Ireland.”
DETI commissioned local telecommunications company North West Electronics to provide a trial wireless broadband service to the village. The pilot initiative will run until 30 November 2008 and will eventually involve up to 40 users in the Drumsurn area.
Users will be able to access internet services such as email and the worldwide web as well as internet telephony and video conferencing, with prices starting at £17 per month.
The minister concluded: “Telecommunications are an important tool in strengthening our economy and by working closely with the private sector on pilot schemes such as this one we can assess the benefits of alternative technologies to deliver an improved telecoms infrastructure.”
Notes to Editors:
- Founded in 1991, North West Electronics is one of the largest cellular site installers in Ireland, developing and installing wireless broadband network services to customers throughout the UK, Ireland and abroad. For further information visit the North West Electronics Wireless Networks website
- The Wireless Broadband Pilot initiative commenced on 1 April 2008 and is due to complete by 30 November 2008.
- The pilot will involve 40 residents of Drumsurn Village who will be offered a range of symmetrical and asymmetrical broadband access speeds in excess of 512 kilobits per second.
- Following the pilot, North West Electronics will offer the end-user a range of broadband access packages, with at least one such package costing no more than the existing charge for satellite services in NI i.e. £27 per month, for at least 12 months.
- For further information, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297.
- Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
