UK Digital Economy Minister highlights Project Gigabit rollout on NI visit

The visit provided the Minister with the opportunity to see firsthand how the rollout of Project Gigabit will transform connectivity for those living and working in some of the hardest-to-reach locations across Northern Ireland. During the visit, she was taken on a tour of Fibrus’ Network Operations Centre, gaining insight into the scale and complexity of managing a full fibre network, and observed a live fibre splicing demonstration, showcasing the precision and expertise behind the build. 

Fibrus was awarded the £34.6 million broadband improvement project last December by the Department for the Economy, on behalf of DSIT (Department for Science, Innovation & technology), which will see gigabit-capable broadband offered to over 9,000 new premises. 

This contract award followed Fibrus’ successful completion of the landmark £200 million Project Stratum telecoms infrastructure project, which connected over 81,000 premises in Northern Ireland. With the region currently boasting a 96% access to gigabit-capable service rate, against a UK average of 87%, Project Gigabit will further enhance access to full fibre connection for the most rural premises across the north. 

During the visit, Baroness Lloyd had the opportunity to hear first-hand from those who have benefitted from a full fibre broadband transformation, including Daisy Lodge. A purpose-built therapeutic centre in Newcastle, Co. Down, Daisy Lodge is a solace for families across the island of Ireland affected by cancer and through Hyperfast NI and Project Stratum, it was connected to Full Fibre broadband 2024. 

The centre’s dedicated team of cancer support specialists delivers group sessions, workshops, and peer support for families navigating some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Supporting young people up to the age of 24, Daisy Lodge recognises the vital role of connection for its patients. Many, due to being immunosuppressed, are unable to participate in everyday social activities with friends and therefore rely heavily on online connectivity to maintain relationships and a sense of normalcy. 

Conal Henry, Co Founder and Chair, Fibrus, said:

We’re incredibly proud of the difference Fibrus is making for homes, businesses, and communities across the region, and we’re excited to extend these benefits to even more premises through Project Gigabit. Seeing the real-world impact of full fibre on organisations like Daisy Lodge reinforces exactly why we do what we do. Delivering meaningful, tangible change for organisations that are vital to our communities is both rewarding and a powerful reminder of the role connectivity now plays in everyday life. 

Rural communities aren’t an afterthought for Fibrus – they’re our focus. We’re delighted to welcome the UK Digital Economy Minister to witness firsthand the transformative power that full fibre connectivity is unlocking across rural areas.

UK Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said:

Our investment in faster broadband is improving lives and driving economic growth in rural communities across Northern Ireland, making it easier for them to run a business, access public services or simply stay connected with the people who matter most. 

It was great to see the work Fibrus is doing to deliver our Project Gigabit rollout across Northern Ireland, ensuring more rural homes, local businesses and community organisations can benefit from fast, reliable connectionss.