§ Michael FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the roll out of broadband connectivity in Northern Ireland. [57731]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Government are committed to making the UK broadband market more extensive and competitive. The Government work with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive to support the development of the market. As part of the £30 million UK broadband fund, Northern Ireland will be receiving £1.46 million, which will be used to fund a number of initiatives announced on 19 March 2002.
The Northern Ireland Executive has recognised the development of a leading-edge telecommunications infrastructure as central to the development of the Northern Ireland economy. It has launched a number of initiatives such as the SME Broadband Satellite pilot programme to encourage companies to embrace broadband.
The Northern Ireland Executive will in due course issue a call for expressions of interest in potential flagship projects.