Rural Northern Ireland to benefit from 7.3 million MB of free mobile broadband

A partnership between Three and Supporting Communities Northern Ireland (SCNI) will result in up to 7.3 million MB of free high-speed mobile broadband being given to rural citizens and businesses in Northern Ireland, enough data for over 75 million emails. The project is supported by Go On NI, part of NI Direct’s digital inclusion programme run by the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP).

The project will see Three working with SCNI to identify those who could benefit from a year’s free connectivity, as well as setting up communal mobile broadband access in a number of communities. Every participant will receive a MiFi, which creates a wireless internet hotspot using Three’s mobile network and can connect up to ten devices to the Internet.

The first organisation to benefit from the project is Restore, a volunteer-run organisation based in Limavady. Its refurbished premises are used to support the community by providing youth services and a local venue for community activities. Restore will use the MiFis to offer those that pop in access to the Internet to look for jobs online as well as checking emails and social networking.

This marks the first time Three’s award-winning Rural Broadband Working Group has operated in Northern Ireland. All connections will use Three’s high-speed network, which recently benefitted from a £12 million upgrade across Northern Ireland, bringing faster internet speeds to 95% of the population.

Dave Dyson, Three’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Rural communities are often unable to access high-speed broadband, which can impact on people’s quality of life and business productivity. I hope the project will help address this issue for those taking part.

“This scheme underlines Three’s commitment to Northern Ireland and follows recent network investment and the Feel At Home price plan that addresses the issue of cross-border roaming.”

Simon Hamilton, Finance Minister, said: “This project is a valuable extension to the work already achieved by the Go On NI initiative in helping citizens communicate, shop, bank and access government information online and is a good reflection of DFP’s beneficial partnership with Three and SCNI.”

Brian Holmes of SCNI said: “Rural families and businesses are often unable to access high-speed internet in Northern Ireland, or experience the many benefits that the Internet has to offer, so it’s great to partner with a government department and an organisation which are both passionate about addressing this.

“The numerous educational, economic and social benefits the internet brings are vital for families.”

ENDS