Killyleagh is the next village in Northern Ireland to go live with access to next generation broadband under the government's Project Stratum.
Project Stratum represents a £165m investment by the UK government, allocated to NI as part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement, with further investment by the contractor, Fibrus Networks Ltd.
The infrastructure initiative is intended to bring 'Next Generation Access' broadband to over 76,000 premises across Northern Ireland, many of which currently have little to none coverage, particularly in rural communities.
Fibrus Networks has already completed the new broadband work across towns in South Down, Mid Ulster and the North Coast.
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Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said, "Hyperfast NI, delivered by Fibrus Networks Ltd, have now completed work they began earlier in the year in the Strangford area, including towns such as Killyleagh, Killinchy and Newtownards.
"This announcement sees over 640 premises in the area, previously identified as being without quality coverage, with access to hyperfast broadband speeds. As a result people and businesses are already seeing the benefits of improved connectivity.
“The importance of improved digital connectivity cannot be overstated. It can mean better access to online services for businesses and members of the public alike. An improved online presence can help businesses to sell their goods, promote their services and in the case of our local tourism providers help them to attract visitors and people to the area."
Fibrus Networks’ Hyperfast NI Programme and Commercial Director, Shane Haslem emphasised that high-quality broadband is "now as essential as your electricity and heating" and added the importance of continuing to "address the imbalance in rural connectivity across Northern Ireland".
