Broadband benefits highlighted in €500,000 ad campaign

The benefits of broadband internet services are to be trumpeted in a new €500,000 cross-border television advertising campaign.

Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey and his Northern Ireland Office counterpart, Enterprise Minister Maria Eagle, announced the campaign would begin next Monday.

Ms Eagle said: “This advertising campaign highlights the benefits broadband can deliver, not only for businesses but for all aspects of life.”

“Broadband places small and medium enterprises at the centre of the online economy allowing them to trade on an international basis irrespective of their location.

“We can use broadband in our day-to-day lives, for learning, health, shopping and entertainment. I want to encourage everyone fully to utilise broadband and take advantage of the services it can deliver.”

Broadband offers high-speed e-mail and internet access and is increasingly being used to broadcast television.

It is 100% available in the North, with a third of all households connected.

In the Republic, broadband uptake is 23%.

Mr Dempsey said: “This campaign will air on a cross-border basis and is yet another example of what can be achieved when two bodies with similar goals work together to tackle a common challenge.

“Broadband is now available to over three quarters of the population in Ireland. However, there is clearly a need to promote the use of broadband among the general public. This campaign will achieve that.”