AQO 2135/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 29/05/2025
Answered On Date: 10/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline how Project Stratum is addressing any remaining broadband not-spots in rural communities.

Answer:

The build phase for Project Stratum is scheduled to finish at the end of this month. Project Statum has made gigabit services available to 80,000 premises, and a further 1,100 will be connected by the end of June. This means that 93% of premises here can access a gigabit-capable service compared to 83% in the rest of Britain.

Project Gigabit is the next phase of broadband infrastructure investment and will further improve access a gigabit-capable services. This project is in procurement. I unable to confirm which premises will be connected until the procurement phase is complete.

I am conscious that not all premises are expected to be included in Project Gigabit. This is for a variety of reasons, including high costs for individual premises, and limitations in identifying which premises require public subsidy and which will be served commercially.

My Department is taking steps to ensure we maximise the reach of Project Gigabit. My officials are working to identify any premises that need to be added to the project. There is a process to include such premises in Project Gigabit where it is represents value for money, and subject to funding being made available.

I am also aware that Building Digital UK is developing schemes for high cost, or very hard to reach, premises. However, these schemes are in early stages. I will continue to make the case for premises in the north to have access to these schemes when they become available.