Write a commentAssembly Member for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty MLA has pressed Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA to produce a detailed roll out plan for the implementation of Project Stratum.
Project Stratum aims to improve broadband connectivity by extending Next Generation Access (NGA) broadband infrastructure to approximately 79,000 premises across Northern Ireland that cannot yet access NGA broadband services.
Mr McNulty said, "Project Stratum will see over £165million invested in extending access to superfast broadband services to 79,000 premises across the North. The primary focus of this will be rural communities like those across Newry and Armagh.
"In recent weeks utilities company Fibrus has been awarded the contract to build the network across the region. This is a very welcome development and I know it will be welcomed in many rural communities across Newry and Armagh."
Mr McNulty has asked Economy Minister Diane Dodds to bring forward and publish a detailed plan, by postcode area, of when the works will happen in each area to let communities know when to expect broadband provision in their area.
The MLA added "Broadband is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. For work, study, rural businesses and social interaction. Covid19 has brought a different focus to the way we work, with many now having been forced to work from home, but that working or studying from home has only highlighted even further the need for real investment in our digital infrastructure and it must be delivered without any further delay. I hope the Minister will agree to publish a detailed roll out plan so communities can plan ahead."
