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Digital provider Openreach is working with communities to improve connectivity for homes and businesses.

Openreach says that 504 homes and businesses in Islandmagee are eligible for the scheme but there have been just 40 applicants to date.

Properties in the scheme are eligible for government Gigbabit Vouchers which provide up to £3,500 for each SMEs, and up to £1,500 per residential premises to support the cost of installing new gigabit capable connections.

Michael Gaw, CFP lead at Openreach Northern Ireland, with Leanne Watson and Matthew Murray, build team members.

Residents and businesses can join the scheme by pledging their vouchers, which are then combined with a contribution from Openreach to create a fund which covers the cost of building the new infrastructure.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said: “I would encourage all of the 504 premises that are eligible for Government Gigabit Vouchers to consider pooling it in a Community Fibre Partnership Scheme with Openreach so that the necessary infrastructure can be delivered quickly.

“By pooling the money which is available in the voucher scheme, greater benefits can be achieved as a collective than each house individually.

“Improving connectivity has been a priority for the government not only for household activities but also to enable rural businesses to develop, farmers to have better connectivity with the Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs and children to have access to greater educational opportunities.

“The pandemic has shown the potential for people to work from home but without proper connectivity that is not always possible.”

Mr Wilson’s DUP colleague, David Hilditch MLA added: “If enough residents pledge their voucher, Openreach can build its network in the community.

“In times where reliable connections are needed to connect to friends, family and colleagues from home, I would encourage as many individuals as possible to come forward and pledge their voucher.”

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Click here to read: New Islandmagee school plan progresses to application stage.

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