The Northern Ireland executive has confirmed it is looking for a new broadband provider.

A five-year contract between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) and BT for the supply of 100 per cent broadband across Northern Ireland is scheduled to end on March 31st 2009.

The end of the deal will not have an impact on the majority of broadband users, as they will continue to receive their service via telephone lines.

However, people in remote areas who currently access broadband via satellite will find they are unable to use the service once the BT contract expires.

Telecoms minister Arlene Foster is keen to ensure the 100 per cent coverage continues with as little disruption as possible and that broadband remains available to all residents at a reasonable cost.

As such, her department has issued an invitation to tender to network operators interested in supplying the satellite section of the service.

"DETI wishes to reassure those affected customers that the migration process, from one service provider to another, will take place as a matter of urgency and free of charge," added Ms Foster.

Universal broadband coverage has become a major issue in recent years, with public sector bodies keen to ensure that businesses and residents across the country can access high-speed internet connections.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency recently announced it had completed work on a project that had led to 99.8 per cent of people in Cumbria being able to receive broadband.

Three in ten businesses in the county reported a growth in customer numbers since adopting high-speed internet connections.

Wednesday, 1st October 2008

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