Foster Welcomes BT's Infrastructure Investment

Arlene Foster said: "In these tough economic times it is encouraging to see that significant investment in telecommunications infrastructure is ongoing and I hope to see it continue in the foreseeable future.

"This announcement shows that Northern Ireland is part of BT's vision to connect 40% of UK homes to super-fast broadband by 2012, bringing benefits to businesses and consumers."

The Minister added: "Telecommunications is a key element of the Executive's plans to build a modern, efficient, infrastructure and it can help in developing Northern Ireland as a knowledge-based economy. Higher broadband speeds are of strategic importance because they can assist in accelerating economic growth, facilitate innovation and generally enable businesses here to compete globally.

"This investment compliments the work that my department is taking forward which is based on three key themes, focusing on improving internal connectivity, stimulating the take-up and usage of broadband by businesses and establishing direct international connectivity."

In conclusion she said: "However, the challenge for Government and the telecommunications industry will be to ensure that, with the resources available to us, we compliment the investment made, not just by BT, but by the industry as a whole, making available adequate infrastructure, across as much of Northern Ireland as possible, for businesses' needs."