Funding aimed at improving broadband services in rual areas across Northern Ireland has been announced.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster announced investments worth £177,000 today. The investments, in the form of financial assistance through the £1.9 million Broadband Fund, have been awarded to North West Electronics and Net 1 Limited.
The Broadband Fund, which is co-financed under the European Regional Development Fund Sustainable Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013, offers practical financial support to organisations undertaking broadband technology trials in the North.
Derry-based North West Electronics is to use the funding to extend its fixed wireless broadband network in the north-west, while Drogheda-based Net 1 Limited, which operates almost 200 base stations throughout Counties Meath, Louth, Monaghan and Cavan, is to develop similar fixed wireless infrastructure across Co Fermanagh.
“It is vital that higher speed broadband services are made as widely available as possible across Northern Ireland," said Ms Foster.
"The work of North West Electronics and Net 1 Limited will span areas within County Londonderry and County Fermanagh, allowing those living and working in some of the most rural locations, to benefit from high quality, affordable broadband access," she added.
