18/11/2003
Total broadband coverage by 2005, says BT
Total broadband coverage for internet access in all areas of the UK community may be achieved by 2005 if industry and government work in partnership, according to BT.
The telecommunications company also announced that it was extending its demand registration scheme for ADSL broadband by setting triggers for a further 2,300 exchanges, serving two million homes and businesses.
BT Group Chief Executive Ben Verwaayen said: “BT’s registration scheme has been a world-leading success in focusing new investment where there is demand. We have clear momentum and this, together with our latest understanding of technology and costs and the growing enthusiasm for regional partnerships, means we can take a new approach to broadband investment. We are now in a position to extend trigger levels into the furthest parts of the UK."
He added that when all these exchanges are enabled, more than 99% of UK homes and businesses would be connected to broadband exchanges.
“There’s no doubt however that many of these trigger levels are very challenging to hit,” he said. “In some areas, market stimulation alone will not be sufficient to deliver broadband. We are critically dependent on public partnerships to stimulate demand and to intervene with support to get the exchanges enabled early and even to help reduce the triggers. This will be essential to deliver the benefits of broadband to every community.
“We are enormously encouraged by initiatives already under way to achieve 100% availability at a local, regional or country level.”
BT currently makes mass-market broadband available to more than 80% of households – more houses than are connected to mains gas.
The company is set to upgrade exchanges serving 90% during next year an achievement that BT claims places the UK at the leading edge of G7 economies.
(SP)
The telecommunications company also announced that it was extending its demand registration scheme for ADSL broadband by setting triggers for a further 2,300 exchanges, serving two million homes and businesses.
BT Group Chief Executive Ben Verwaayen said: “BT’s registration scheme has been a world-leading success in focusing new investment where there is demand. We have clear momentum and this, together with our latest understanding of technology and costs and the growing enthusiasm for regional partnerships, means we can take a new approach to broadband investment. We are now in a position to extend trigger levels into the furthest parts of the UK."
He added that when all these exchanges are enabled, more than 99% of UK homes and businesses would be connected to broadband exchanges.
“There’s no doubt however that many of these trigger levels are very challenging to hit,” he said. “In some areas, market stimulation alone will not be sufficient to deliver broadband. We are critically dependent on public partnerships to stimulate demand and to intervene with support to get the exchanges enabled early and even to help reduce the triggers. This will be essential to deliver the benefits of broadband to every community.
“We are enormously encouraged by initiatives already under way to achieve 100% availability at a local, regional or country level.”
BT currently makes mass-market broadband available to more than 80% of households – more houses than are connected to mains gas.
The company is set to upgrade exchanges serving 90% during next year an achievement that BT claims places the UK at the leading edge of G7 economies.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2018
Businesses Encouraged To Take Advantage Of Broadband Voucher
Businesses are being encouraged to make use of the government's £2500 voucher for gigabit broadband speeds before the scheme closes due to high demand. More than 7000 UK businesses and surrounding homes have already taken advantage of the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, which launched in March 2018.
Businesses Encouraged To Take Advantage Of Broadband Voucher
Businesses are being encouraged to make use of the government's £2500 voucher for gigabit broadband speeds before the scheme closes due to high demand. More than 7000 UK businesses and surrounding homes have already taken advantage of the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, which launched in March 2018.
25 September 2018
Businesses Invited To Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme Event
Businesses in Newry, Mourne and Down in need of a faster broadband connection are being invited to find out how the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) can help. Following the launch of the UK Government's nationwide £67 million GBVS earlier this year, the scheme is now available in the Newry, Mourne and Down area.
Businesses Invited To Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme Event
Businesses in Newry, Mourne and Down in need of a faster broadband connection are being invited to find out how the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) can help. Following the launch of the UK Government's nationwide £67 million GBVS earlier this year, the scheme is now available in the Newry, Mourne and Down area.
16 August 2011
Guarded NI Welcome For 'Broader Internet Access'
The Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed additional money to help get NI firmly on the Internet highway - but has also said that it falls short of the level of help expected.
Guarded NI Welcome For 'Broader Internet Access'
The Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed additional money to help get NI firmly on the Internet highway - but has also said that it falls short of the level of help expected.
30 April 2010
Faster Broadband Connections Onstream
Customers of Belfast-based Rainbow Telecom are set to benefit from free superfast broadband. The company is the first in Northern Ireland to state its pricing structure ahead of the roll-out of next generation superfast broadband by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, (DETI) due to be completed by May 2011.
Faster Broadband Connections Onstream
Customers of Belfast-based Rainbow Telecom are set to benefit from free superfast broadband. The company is the first in Northern Ireland to state its pricing structure ahead of the roll-out of next generation superfast broadband by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, (DETI) due to be completed by May 2011.
11 January 2010
New Broadband Technology For NI Rural Areas
Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a further £88,000 for technology trials, to improve broadband services in rural areas across the country. The financial support, from the £1.9million Broadband Fund, has been awarded to two companies, H2O Ireland Limited and North West Electronics.
New Broadband Technology For NI Rural Areas
Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a further £88,000 for technology trials, to improve broadband services in rural areas across the country. The financial support, from the £1.9million Broadband Fund, has been awarded to two companies, H2O Ireland Limited and North West Electronics.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.