Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has called on the Department of the Economy to ensure consultation for the tender for £150 million investment in high speed broadband to be as extensive as possible.
The Department has indicated it will consult with businesses late summer and early September and then ask the public to identify ‘not spots’ and ‘not very good spots’ for four weeks in October.
“Investment in our infrastructure, especially our digital infrastructure, is vital to the future economic success of Northern Ireland. I welcome this investment, however, it is important the Department consult as widely as possible to ensure the money is invested in those rural areas where there is no current broadband provision,” said Ms Armstrong.
“It is equally important the investment increases speeds for households and businesses so everyone can access speeds of at least 30Mbs, no matter where their building is located. It is important the public are aware this consultation is coming and how to respond, and the Department listens carefully to what the public has to say.
“It is essential a review is carried out to identify those places where broadband coverage is ineffective. I welcome plans to invest in the west of the Bann, as Alliance has long said there has not been nearly enough investment in infrastructure there. It is important rural dwellers in my own constituency of Strangford are not left behind, as they are also struggling to access broadband services.”