Broadband Boost For NI As Virgin Media Expands

At a time when many of us rely on our home broadband to stay connected, Virgin Media has launched the

region's fastest ever home broadband speeds.

With average download speeds of 1,140Mbps, the next-generation Gig1 is now available to almost 400,000 homes across the region. That includes those in Belfast, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Craigavon, Derry, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Portadown and other towns.

The recent switch on will bring speeds of over 25 times the region average and means Northern Ireland is the first province to benefit from a complete region-wide Gig1 launch.

Research has revealed that those working from home currently waste an average of 11 minutes per day to slow broadband – equivalent to four full working days since the start of lockdown in March.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds welcomed the expansion for connectivity in Northern Ireland. She said: "This comes at a time when the importance of telecommunications has become so prominent. Connectivity will play a vital role in re-building the Northern Ireland economy as we emerge from the Covid-19 crisis."

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery added: "I am delighted that our residents will be able to benefit from this fibre broadband service which offers average speeds of 1,140Mbps. At a time when many people are working from home, a fast and reliable broadband service is something we cannot do without and we know that people now choose to live, work and invest based on how good the internet connection is. This investment by Virgin Media will further support the growth and enhancement of our digital infrastructure across the Borough, offer customers a choice of supplier and enable businesses to operate in an increasingly digital world."



(JG)