BT have just won a contract that roll broadband out to the 1.7 million inhabitants of Northern Ireland
Out of the twenty-seven companies who responded to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) invitation to tender, BT had already looked to be the favourite for some time.
Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson said “This will allow all our businesses, even those in the most rural locations, to avail of broadband services to compete in the global market.”
DETI’s objective is to offer every business and household in Northern Ireland at least a 512kbps connection by the end of 2005. This would make the region the first in the UK to offer 100% coverage. Coverage is currently 60%, with takeup of 10%.