Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed progress on the Project Stratum to help transform broadband connections in rural areas.  

Speaking after receiving a written answer from the Economy Minister, the Newry & Armagh MLA said:

“This is welcome news. Project Stratum will provide improved broadband access for almost 76,000 premises, of which 97% are classified as rural.

“This is a significant step forward for rural communities who over the years have been disadvantaged and left isolated without access to decent or in some cases any broadband.

“Sinn Féin has long campaigned for this to be addressed and despite some delays from the department in recent months, I am pleased to see that a contract has now been awarded.

“With many more people now studying and working from home, access to broadband has never been more important, it is a vital service.

“It is important that rural workers, families and businesses can benefit from this project as quickly as possible and I welcome that Fibrus intends to roll out infrastructure immediately following the contract being awarded.”