Project Stratum rural broadband scheme goes live in Tyrone

Economy Minister Diane Dodds has welcomed the announcement that Fibrus Networks has connected its first customers to Next Generation Access broadband under Project Stratum.

he first connection for customers in Coalisland, Co Tyrone is now live.

Once completed, the £165m broadband improvement scheme will radically transform rural broadband connectivity by extending gigabit-capable full fibre broadband infrastructure to around 76,000 homes and businesses across Northern Ireland.

The Minister spoke to Tara Hamill, one of the first beneficiaries of the new service.

Afterwards, Mrs Dodds said: "In today's world we are especially reliant on our broadband services and good connectivity. More and more of our work and leisure time is spent online and if you don't have access to good broadband this can be a real issue. Speaking to Tara Hamill has underscored the difference Project Stratum can make to people's lives."

Belfast Telegraph