Broadband puts north west in economic fast lane

11 June 2002

BT Northern Ireland has launched broadband in the north west, signalling a move to the economic fast lane for the region.

At a function in the Guildhall, businessmen and women from all over Londonderry watched as MP John Hume switched on the ADSL technology, which gives high-speed internet access and data transfer. The high-speed line links Derry and the rest of the region to the global market place.

Said Hanif Lalani, BT director of the regions and chief executive of BT Northern Ireland said, "This is an exciting day for the north west and indeed for BT Northern Ireland as we roll out our vision of a broadband economy."

He continued, "With e-business growth expected to rocket in the next five years we see broadband as the economic dynamo behind this economy. It has now become a commercial imperative and a case of, 'miss it, miss out'!"

ADSL broadband is available throughout the Londonderry area and BT people will be out and about over the next two weeks to help companies understand its potential.