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Nearly 3,000 homes and businesses around Cookstown are now connectable to gigabit capable broadband services thanks to Project Stratum and Hyperfast NI.
The new broadband infrastructure is being rolled out by Fibrus, Northern Ireland’s fastest growing telecoms provider which specialises in full fibre broadband solutions for rural and regional communities.
Fibrus went live in Cookstown last summer and has now extended its broadband infrastructure to the surrounding area, taking in villages such as Moneymore, Ballinderry, Coagh, and Killucan.
Explaining what this means for the people living and working in the area, Colin Hutchinson, Chief Financial Officer at Fibrus, said:
“Fibrus was established to enhance the lives of those living in areas such as Moneymore, Ballinderry and Coagh. For too long, regions across Northern Ireland have gone without quality connectivity services, despite being a hub for local businesses and family homes.”
Colin explained that the need for a meaningful online connection was accelerated by the pandemic and continues to be a vital component of everyday life, especially for those living in digital darkness.
He said: “Many people are continuing to work from home, albeit in a hybrid model. Accessing schoolwork online has become the new norm and it goes without saying that we all enjoy watching our favourite films and shows on streaming platforms. That’s why access to high-speed reliable broadband has become like any other utility for modern homes and businesses – it’s as essential as electricity and heating.
“The arrival of full fibre broadband in rural areas will revolutionise the way families and businesses go about their day-to-day lives. We are delighted to see more and more rural communities getting connected to our new transformative network.”
He concluded: “Fibrus will continue to address the digital imbalance in rural connectivity across Northern Ireland and we look forward to seeing more communities enjoying the benefits of our full fibre network.”
Welcoming the development, Mid Ulster MLA and Sinn Fein vice President Michelle O’Neill said:
“It is great to see Fibrus coming to the wider Cookstown area, and indeed other rural communities across Northern Ireland. Providing the area with the ability to connect to full fibre broadband will enhance the lives of local residents and businesses through access to a secure broadband connection.”
Keith Buchanon MLA also welcomed the news:
“Its been exciting to see how this full fibre broadband rollout has positively impacted on Cookstown and I’m delighted to see that the service has now been rolled out to the wider area, taking in rural communities in the constituency. It is vital that families and businesses in rural communities have access to affordable quality broadband. I’m delighted to welcome Fibrus to the area.”