AQW 40715/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 14/01/2015
Answered On Date: 21/01/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an update on a proposed intervention area for improvements to broadband provision through Phase 2 of the UK Superfast Rollout Programme; and whether she plans to award a supply contract.

Answer:

The proposed intervention area for the Superfast Roll-out Programme Phase 2 in Northern Ireland was published by my Department on 26 August 2014 for full public consultation. The response to the consultation feedback is available on the Department’s website at www.detini.gov.uk/index/what-we-do/deti-telecoms-index/telecoms-srp.htm.

An Invitation to Tender to find a suitable supplier was issued on 12 November 2014 with a closing date of 26 January 2015. The final intervention area is dependent on the response to the Invitation to Tender. Assuming that an acceptable bid is received, it is anticipated that contract award will be made towards the end of February 2015 with implementation commencing immediately thereafter.