AQW 35358/11-15


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 02/09/2014
Answered On Date: 15/09/2014
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an update on more efficient broadband provision in rural areas of East Londonderry.


Answer:
On 4 February 2014 my Department signed a contract with BT for delivery of the c£23.5million Northern Ireland Broadband Improvement project, which aims to provide improvements in access to basic and superfast fixed-line broadband services. It is anticipated that this project will bring more choice and improved broadband speeds to over 45,000 premises across Northern Ireland by the end of 2015.
The project is being delivered in eight phases which seeks to ensure that the project delivers benefit to the maximum number of premises while maintaining best value for money.
On 23 July we published details on NI Direct of the first implementation area to be completed and further details will be published as the roll-out continues. A list of the high level postcode areas where improvements are expected to take place has also been included with proposed completion dates and this includes areas of East Londonderry. The information can be found at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/ broadband-improvement-project.htm.
DETI has also been indicatively allocated £7.24million by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) for the extension of superfast broadband and which it is seeking to match, providing a potential funding pot of £14.48million.
On 26 August my Department commenced a public consultation on the proposed intervention area for a further project, to extend superfast broadband services to at least 95% of premises across Northern Ireland by 2017. The consultation document can be found at http://www.detini.gov.uk/index/what-we-do/deti-telecoms-index/consultations_from_2014/superfast_rollout_programme_phase_2.htm. If value for money is demonstrated, a mini-competition will be taken forward, using the existing BDUK framework and it is anticipated that a contract award may take place in early 2015.