Broadband roll-out for west

The Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly has announced details of a new innovative wireless internet service to rural towns and communities throughout the region.

This new service will deliver high-speed internet connectivity to rural locations not included in the Government's national broadband rollout.

The provision of internet services to rural areas is considered essential to facilitating tele-working, e-commerce, home based learning and other applied services.

A total contribution in excess of €250,000 from the European Union has been awarded to three selected projects involving four locations, three of which are in CLAR areas (Programme for disadvantaged rural areas) to provide a wireless based internet service locally.

Commenting on this new pilot service, BMW Director Gerry Finn said: "The funding available will provide consortia of local communities and telecomms providers with the seed capital to establish a service that will offer an efficient, cost effective, 'always-on' internet service locally for the benefit of business, domestic and public service users."