The Next Generation Broadband Project involves the use of innovative technology to increase broadband speeds in Northern Ireland.

On 3 December 2009 it was announced that contract for delivery of the project had been awarded by DETI to BT following competitive tender.

The project’s aim is delivery of high-speed broadband services to 85% of NI businesses by 2011, focusing on both rural and urban areas in Northern Ireland where these services are not available, or are unlikely to be available in the foreseeable future.  To achieve this, DETI's contract with BT will involve the deployment of more fibre optic cable deeper into Northern Ireland’s urban districts, towns, villages and countryside. There will also be upgrades to equipment across 166 exchanges and the introduction of new technology to increase broadband speeds to businesses.

Project funding of £18million, coming from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the EU under the ERDF Competitiveness Programme and the ERADF Rural Development Programme, is levering investment of £29.8 million by BT.

Further details are available from DETI Project Manager, Trevor Forsythe.