HALF of all homes and businesses in Northern Ireland can now connect to full fibre broadband technology via Openreach’s network, making it the most digitally connected region of the UK, figures from the provider claim.
It's a milestone which Openreach says shows it is well on its journey to bring ultrafast broadband to 525,000 premises (more than 60 per cent of the region) by the end of next March.
And the organisation's chief executive Clive Selley said he is “extremely proud” of the central role Openreach has played in supporting the region’s digital ambitions, adding: “We’re committed to Northern Ireland, from creating jobs to supporting local communities.”
Openreach’s team of 750 engineers have already built full fibre broadband to 420,000 homes and businesses across the region, at a rate of 3,500 premises every week (equivalent to 22 homes or businesses every hour).
Mairead Meyer, regional director of Openreach, said: “Despite our size, Northern Ireland always shines on the global stage and goes shoulder to shoulder with the best of them - this is certainly true for the progress that has been made to keep the region at the forefront of digital technology.
“We’re seeing day in and day out, how important broadband has become to the lives of so many people here. Zoom currently has over 770,000 active users a day, while one in five households in the UK bought groceries online in the past month, a trend likely to continue.
“The full fibre network is about setting Northern Ireland up for success today and in the future. It will be transformational, providing a consistent and fast service to connect families, businesses and public services in the region and will be a platform for economic growth for the region.”
Openreach chief executive Clive Selley added: “As we build our fibre network directly to the front doors of homes and businesses across the region, we’re determined to provide our customers with the digital connectivity they need and deserve.
“We will achieve this by staying at the forefront of innovation and continuing to invest in the region - helping to play a part in making sure Northern Ireland remains a great place to live and work.”
