Broadband boost for Lisburn

Launching the SuperConnected Broadband Voucher Scheme for the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area are Chairman of the Inspire Business Centre, Alderman David Drysdale; Chief Executive of Inspire Business Centre, Mark Brotherston and Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Councils Development Committee, Alderman Allan Ewart. Pic by Simon Graham

These grants are available thanks to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s support in rolling out the SuperConnected Broadband Voucher Scheme.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme at Inspire Business Centre, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, Alderman Allan Ewart, said: “Many businesses experiencing limitations with their current service or those needing to significantly expand their capacity can now get help with installation of the most suitable equipment to upgrade their current broadband connection.

“Businesses applying to the SuperConnected Voucher Scheme receive support of up to £3,000 each to pay for the equipment and installation costs, and this grant does not have to be repaid.”

Businesses can apply individually, however group landlord applications are also welcome where a number of businesses can group the value of their individual vouchers as part of a joint application to agree a common solution in an area, building or business park that will best meet their business needs.

That is exactly what Inspire Business Centre, based in Dundonald, has done.

Chief Executive of Inspire Business Centre, Mark Brotherston, explains what this will mean for the Business Centre.

He said: “Using the SuperConnected Cities scheme we have partnered with Blackstaff Communications to bring this technology to Dundonald and we will become the first business park in Northern Ireland to offer this level of broadband technology.

“We are bringing dedicated fibre into the business park, blowing the fibre into every unit in preparation for a Fttp (fibre to the premise) broadband solution.

“Fibre has a virtually unlimited bandwidth coupled with a long reach, making it a future safe solution.”

The vouchers, funded by The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will be made available on a first come, first served basis until 31 March 2016, or until the funding allocation is expended.

To find out more contact Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s Economic Development Unit on telephone : 028 9250 9482 or by emailing: [email protected].