Broadband plans are welcomed

DUP MLA Sydney Anderson, a member of the Stormont Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, has welcomed the announcement of details on the Satellite Broadband Support Scheme.

Mr Anderson stated, “The Satellite Broadband Support Scheme will allow homes and businesses to obtain a subsidised satellite broadband connection if they are unable to receive a broadband service of at least 2mbps and also if the premises is not scheduled to benefit from the delivery of superfast fibre broadband roll-out in the near future.

“Notably there has been good progress in the current UK wide superfast broadband rollout but the Government has been determined to assist those with the slowest connections by providing an immediate boost to their available speeds ahead of any future improvements that are planned.

“Satellite broadband offers a viable alternative to those living in rural areas for broadband speeds to be enhanced. This scheme will be administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and will see a code being provided to homes and businesses who are eligible upon request.

“This code can then be used with one of a selected number of retail service providers to receive a subsidised satellite broadband service, including in most cases a free satellite dish and installation allowing people to make savings of up to £350.”

Mr Anderson added, “This scheme will be available for applications until the end of 2017 and I encourage people to investigate if they could avail of it.”