Northern Ireland show the way forward

ardmacha

Almost nine in 10 broadband users in Northern Ireland will enjoy a high-speed network by next year, BT says.

Up to 40mg speeds will be available, allowing users to download data in a fraction of the time. A whole music album could be accessed in half a minute, the company said.

The new investment will mean more than 2,400 fibre broadband cabinets which carry the service across the region will be able to use the equipment and could create up to 60 jobs within BT.

Northern Ireland will be one of the best-connected places in the world once the work is completed, the firm said.

Graham Sutherland, chief executive of BT in Northern Ireland, said: "This is a great moment in Northern Ireland's broadband story.

"High-speed fibre broadband is transformational, it changes how we live, how we educate, how our businesses send their products and ideas around the world."

Around 88% of lines to homes and businesses will be linked to the fibre broadband cabinets.

The fibre network will be available to any internet provider and 13 are already planning to use it.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "Substantial investment in bringing lightning-fast broadband to businesses, schools, colleges and individuals delivers significant economic and social benefits for the whole of Northern Ireland."

BT is investing close to £30 million in the project, with a further £16.5 million from the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/highspeed-broadband-plans-praised-15091729.html#ixzz1EdaFElsA

cgarvey

Title ammended to use the proper title, and leave the politics of NI to some other forum.