Companies are being urged to come up with ideas to show how broadband technology can make businesses more productive and competitive across Northern Ireland.
The call for "broadband innovators" in both the public and private sector came yesterday from Sir Reg Empey, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
He said submissions on the technology, which allows for "faster, always-on" internet access, would help develop a broadband-based economy.
"Such a development has a wide range of applications and is of interest to a variety of stakeholders, from businesses seeking to increase productivity to public and voluntary organisations seeking to increase 'e' inclusion and activity," said Sir Reg.
"Today's invitation is designed to stimulate innovative ideas and novel suggestions for flagship proposals that will help embed and sustain a broadband-based economy in Northern Ireland," he added.
He hoped the response to this invitation would be as encouraging as that which greeted two previous broadband initiatives this year.
Respondents will be considered potential bidders for a £2 million sterling (€3.1 million) package for the development of flagship broadband proposals.
Later this year, Sir Reg expects to issue an invitation to tender for local access projects designed to sustain the momentum of broadband-based economic development.
