Larne broadband speed ‘poorer than third world’-Wilson

He stated: “It is an ongoing disgrace that many households and businesses in Larne and surrounding rural areas have a broadband service from BT which is poorer than exists in some third world countries.

“This hampers rural businesses, students and households who increasing rely on the internet to fill in government forms, carry out research, order equipment, download entertainment etc.

“Promises have been made that the problems are being addressed.

“Some time ago DETI published a list of postcodes where broadband connections and speeds were less than satisfactory a disproportionate number were in East Antrim.

“The minister announced that £15m would be made available to BT to upgrade the infrastructure and deal with the issue and the task of surveying and designing is going on at present.

“The problem is that this appears to be driven by what BT decides even though it is public money which is financing the project.

“I have contacted the minister asking that her department has some input in directing BT to addressing the areas where the greatest problems occur rather than prioritising action in areas which are easiest or cheapest for BT.

“Every week I am contacted by constituents who are frustrated by the quality of the service for which they pay personally and which the N.I. Executive then pours millions of pounds into as well. People are sold the service on promises of access and broadband speeds which are not delivered and against which they seem to have no redress. It is a situation which cannot go on and which I hope the minister will address.”