Northern Ireland

Calls for better broadband for households as coronavirus lockdown continues

There are calls for better broadband for households as lockdown continues
There are calls for better broadband for households as lockdown continues There are calls for better broadband for households as lockdown continues

THERE were calls last night for better broadband for households as the coronavirus lockdown continues.

SDLP economy spokesperson, Sinead McLaughlin, has written to Stormont's economy and finance ministers asking for the "urgent acceleration of investment in high speed broadband, as Northern Ireland adjusts to new ways of working and socialising".

"These trends will continue, as we adjust to the realities of a world living for the foreseeable future with Covid-19.

"Yet much of Northern Ireland - from villages and towns in Co Derry to Co Down - suffer inadequate broadband. As we look to finding ways to strengthen economic recovery, it is obvious this has to be built on our internet infrastructure," she said,

"I have written to the economy and finance ministers to urge them to find ways to fast-track Project Stratum, to allow Northern Ireland to reach the 21st century with broadband - even though it is years behind many other countries."

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady has said there is "currently no plans to install 5G" in the Newry and Armagh area.

His comments come after he had been contacted by constituents who "raised concerns over reports that 5G was being installed in the area amid false rumours regarding its impact on the current public health emergency".

But he said "following consultation with broadband providers we have been assured there are currently no plans to install 5G in the area".

"There are also no planning applications for any 5G infrastructure lodged with Newry, Mourne and Down district council," he said.