Commenting on the poor broadband coverage in rural areas SDLP Councillor Sharon Haughey has said, “I have been long campaigning for rural businesses and rural dwellers for better provision of broadband. In rurally isolated areas such as Clady there is a serious problem around broadband provision – some households have no access to broadband whatsoever. In this day and age this is not acceptable. It’s having a major negative impact on residents, students and rural businesses.
“The lack of broadband is hampering rural businesses in the Clady area, including the quarries. Nowadays so much is done on the Internet including ordering and purchasing – it is a must for the vast majority of businesses. Yet in the Clady area businesses have had to invest in satellite provision to give them access to email and internet. This is really not good enough and I feel it is an equality issue. Rural businesses are being put at a disadvantage.
“Government is investing in broadband and we continue to hear the good news stories about the roll out of fibre optic broadband and fast speed upgrades. Yet we hear nothing about what will be done in rural parts, such as Clady, that have little or no provision, never mind high speed. I believe it should be a priority for Government to ensure that all areas across the north are accessible to broadband provision.
“This issue impacts also on rural dwellers who are already isolated, and it impacts of school pupils and students who cannot keep up with their studies because of the lack of broadband. This is a major issue that needs address by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“I have raised my concerns a number of times with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster and I have also raised this matter with BT directly however to date there has been no satisfactory solution. BT have carried out a number of investigations for me but have reported back to me that the distance from the exchange results in the quality of the broadband provision. Currently BT have no plans for a new exchange to service the Clady area.
“I will continue to fight for this provision as all I’m asking for is that people living in rural areas, such as Clady are afforded the same provisions as everyone else.”
ENDS