§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to provide broadband internet access in areas of Northern Ireland where there is no broadband provision; and if he will make a statement. [129847]
§ Mr. PearsonThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) has developed a range of complementary initiatives designed to progressively develop telecommunications infrastructure in Northern Ireland, stimulate demand for broadband, and develop broadband applications to both support its innovation driven economy and to ensure everyone has the opportunity to use computers to enhance their daily life.
The Government's aim in Northern Ireland is to have 100 per cent. coverage of broadband services. To progress this aim, DETI published in the European Journal on 7 May 2003, a Prior Information Notice indicating its intention to issue a tender for the provision of broadband services. The tender was issued on 22 July 2003 and a total of 27 organisations and consortia have responded to the call to assist us to advance the Government's telecommunications agenda. I expect to announce the winner of the tender before the end of 2003.