Coalisland homes first to benefit from better broadband through Project Stratum

by Q Radio News

The first customers in Northern Ireland to benefit from the £165 million scheme 'Project Stratum' have been connected to full fibre broadband. 

The contract for the scheme was awarded to Fibrus Network in November. 

Just three months later, the first Optical Line Termination in Coalisland, Co. Tyrone is now live. 

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

The Economy Minister has met with Tara Hamill, one of the first beneficiaries of the project. 

Speaking afterwards, Diane 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 peoples lives and how it is bringing tangible benefits to householders.

“I know there are many communities, especially in rural areas, which have been waiting a long time for improvements in their broadband speeds.

"These first connections demonstrate Fibrus Networks have the capability and capacity to deliver full fibre solutions, with speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, to many rural premises transforming the broadband connectivity landscape for individuals and businesses across Northern Ireland.”

“I want to congratulate Fibrus Networks on reaching the first significant milestone and I look forward to hearing about their continued deployment in bringing the benefits of Next Generation Access broadband to many more neighbourhoods across Northern Ireland."

🎥 The first customers in NI to benefit from Project Stratum have been connected to full fibre broadband, with the first optical line termination in Coalisland, Co. Tyrone now live.

Economy Minister @DianeDoddsMLA says the scheme will transform rural broadband connectivity. pic.twitter.com/PFelLN2zYI

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 9, 2021

Chief Operating Officer for Fibrus Networks Ltd Conor Harrison added: “The logistical planning and immediate execution of this work is testament to the commitment and dedication of Fibrus, as well as the skill of our team who are equipped and ready to deliver full fibre broadband to the people of Northern Ireland.”

UK Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: “Access to fast and reliable broadband is a central focus of our mission to build back better.

"The UK government has invested £150million in Project Stratum to roll out top-of-the-range speeds not just to towns and cities but to rural communities across Northern Ireland.

"It's great news for thousands of people and I'm excited to see the first customers plugged in to these game-changing gigabit connections."

Economy Minister Diane Dodds meets with Tara Hamill, one of the first beneficiaries of Project Stratum, and Chief Operating Officer for Fibrus Networks Ltd Conor Harrison.