‘Greater effort needed in lobbying for improved broadband infrastructure’ – Burns

Sinn Fein Councillor Colman Burns has urged Newry and Mourne District Council to step up their efforts in lobbying for improved broadband infrastructure in the district.

Councillor Burns, speaking at an Economic Development meeting recently, said:

“There are huge gaps in broadband provision, especially in the rural areas, and, as this is now an essential service for businesses and individual users, many parts of our district are at a huge disadvantage.”

Burns continued,

“I have called for a council meeting with a single item agenda, to discuss how we move forward on this most important issue. On speaking to many local people on the matter, ‘affordable’ broadband at a reasonably high speed is what is needed.

“Many people spoke about getting offered a service at £30 plus per month and a connection fee. These exorbitant prices are completely ridiculous and exclude most people from accessing broadband. I have asked Council officials to factor this issue into their response to the current ongoing DETI consultation.”

The Councillor added,

“I would urge everyone with a poor service to register their postcode with DETI to help them to map where broadband gaps exist. A copy of DETIs response forms can be obtained by telephoning 028 9053 9352. Forms must be returned by 12th October 2012.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Oct 8 2012. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry