Launched 29 March 2004.
The partnership involves the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and BT Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland is set to become the first region in Europe with 100% broadband access, as a result of the announcement by NIO Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Ian Pearson MP, that BT has been awarded a contract to deliver the services by the end of 2005.
By the end of 2005 every household and every business in Northern Ireland, no matter how remote, will have access to broadband at the same price. Local businesses will have the level playing field they need to compete in a global economy. This vitally important contract will deliver the Government's broadband vision of a fully connected Northern Ireland. In turn it will help make Northern Ireland more competitive.
This announcement builds on government initiatives that are bringing Broadband to every school and library and the delivery of key government services electronically.
Northern Ireland is now the leading Broadband region in Europe and this will ensure that Northern Ireland is a seriously attractive area for existing company expansion and new inward investment.
Broadband access to all rural areas will be a tremendous boost. Many rural communities have already been campaigning to bring Broadband to their locality. This demonstrates the demand for the service and having it available to every household in Northern Ireland will ensure that a rural /urban divide does not open up.
The contract will be managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and is funded by the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme.