Faster internet connectioncommittment is welcomed

This will provide superfast broadband to at least 90 per cent of premises across Northern Ireland, but Greysteel man Dermot Nicholl is urging people living in isolated rural areas to check that they are on the Postcode List and if not register this in the public consultation which closes on October 12, 2012.

Councillor Nicholl has campaigned for improved broadband coverage and also the end to excessive roaming charges of mobile phones in border areas such as his own constituency of Glack, Greysteel and Ballykelly along the banks of the Foyle where people are routinely “roamed” into southern service providers.

He said: “Last Thursday I attended a conference in Cookstown . An official from OFCOM took part in the workshop. Details of the proposed DETI “Telecoms 2 Megabit per second” project were presented. Currently not everyone in the North has access to a broadband service.

“This is predominantly delivered using fixed line technology through telephone lines but also includes other technologies including wireless and satellite.

“The DETI Telecoms Action Plan 2011-15 proposes that this should be continuously improved targeting a two Megabits per second service by 2015 and provide superfast broadband to at least 90 per cent of premises with speeds in excess of 24 Mbps.

“While the Department has taken reasonable care to maximise coverage all across the North I am concerned that there may be gaps.

“I would encourage everyone to check whether their own postcode has been included by visiting http://www.detini.gov.uk/deti-telecoms-index/deti-telecoms-whats-new.htm. If your postcode is not listed and I advise you to report this to DETI before the end of the consultation period on 12 October 2012. Anyone requiring assistance with this are most welcome to contact me at my office on 028 777 42488.”