Successful broadband meeting in Ballintoy

The meeting at the Sheep Island View Conference Centre in Ballintoy included representatives from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (D.E.T.I.) and North West Electronics.

Speaking afterwards, Cllr McShane said: “Following the successful bid to D.E.T.I’s ‘Broadband Fund’ we felt it was necessary to communicate the detailed plans and timeframe for delivering broadband to Ballintoy and surrounding areas of Straid, Dunseverick, Mosside and Maghercashel.

“North West Electronics who were the successful bidders explained that the company is the first to connect to Project Kelvin, the transatlantic fibre which lands in Portrush.

“Customers will be able to access broadband through WiMAX fixed wireless access to base stations located throughout the local area.

“The commencement date is mid-April, with the project scheduled to be completed by August of this year.

“The public meeting was a positive step and a welcome development, giving the local community first-hand details of the plans for the area. This project will bring much needed I.T infrastructure to these communities who for too-long have been disadvantaged in accessing broadband services.”

Margaret Craig, added: “The Council has been lobbying D.E.T.I for several years now to progress the issue of broadband availability throughout Moyle.

“This is certainly a much needed service for Ballintoy and surrounding areas.

“As Economic Development Officer for the Council area, I will be making further representations to the Department with a view to putting out more calls in the near future under the ‘Broadband Fund’ for other broadband ‘blackspots’ in Moyle, particularly within The Glens area.”

Anyone wanting to register their interest should please contact North West Electronics on 02871351999 or online at www.nwewn.com