‘Broadband improvements a myth for many’ – McKevitt

SDLP Assembly Candidate Karen McKevitt has claimed that much promised broadband improvements for many in rural areas has not materialised and local residents are frustrated at the lack of real progress on the issue.

Speaking to Newry Times, McKevitt said, “Many people living in rural communities, particularly border communities are really frustrated at the lack of real progress by Government and BT on delivering high speed broadband.

“It is no longer a luxury, but a necessary part of modern life, be it for personal or business use.

“However despite a number of schemes by BT and indeed Government Departments and despite political promises and ministerial pledges, we have still many houses who don’t have access to broadband with little prospect of any improvement any time soon,” she insisted.

“In many countries across the globe governments are investing in fibre to the home yet here we cannot even get fibre to the cabinet sorted right in many areas. We see a hive of activity around many ‘green boxes’ in places and yet residents in these areas are not benefiting from so called investments.

Article continues below:

“We need to see Government get a real grip on this issue, it impacts on every part of daily life, from managing personal finances, online shopping, young people trying to study or rural businesses.

She added, “We need to see Government act on its pledges and invest in a broadband and telecommunications infrastructure which is fit for purpose.

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=55944

Posted by Newry Times News on May 5 2016. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry