Project to bring broadband into rural areas welcomed

Pictured left to right are DAERA Minister Edwin Poots, Fibrus Chair Conal Henry, Economy Minister Diane Dodds and Dominic Kearns, Fibrus CEO.

It follows an announcement last week by Economy Minister Diane Dodds that the contract for the delivery of Project Stratum has been awarded to Fibrus Networks Ltd.

The project aims to bring next generation broadband services to premises across Northern Ireland currently unable to access speeds of 30 megabits per second or greater.

It represents a £150million investment by the UK government, allocated to the Department for the Economy as part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement, alongside £15million by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, as well as a substantial investment by Fibrus in network build costs.

Fibrus has already invested £65million to bring full fibre broadband to regional towns in South Down, Mid Ulster and now the north Antrim area.

Commenting on this significant milestone, the Minister said: “The pandemic and restrictions we have all had to live under have underscored the importance of broadband connectivity. Project Stratum will transform the broadband connectivity landscape for many of our citizens and businesses across primarily rural areas of Northern Ireland.

“The investment of £150million will deliver gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure to more than 76,000 premises in the intervention area. My Department will work closely with the supplier and, through continued engagement with DCMS, will deliver infrastructure to serve all premises in the target intervention area, including those not currently in scope, as soon as possible.”

Mid and East Antrim councillor Andrew Clarke said he was "delighted" to receive confirmation that Glenarm and Carnlough were to be included in the roll-out.

"This should ensure that all homes in the BT44 area have at least 30 megabits per second. From study to shopping, internet access is increasing part of everyday life, and it is important that our rural areas are not left behind," he added.

"In particular, our Coast Road businesses need good internet access to maintain their online presence and to manage sales or bookings."