Project Stratum - introduction

Project Stratum is improving broadband connectivity by extending Next Generation Access (NGA) broadband infrastructure to approximately 85,000 premises across Northern Ireland that cannot yet access NGA broadband services.

Funding 

£150m was allocated to the project as a result of the Confidence and Supply Agreement between the DUP and the Conservatives, along with additional funding of £15m secured through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Further funding of £22.3m from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and an additional £4.25m each from DAERA and DfE have been secured to extend the project.

This brings the total amount of available funding for Project Stratum to £197m to help deliver substantial enhancements to Internet connectivity across Northern Ireland. Broadband coverage across the intervention area may also be extended through industry investment to ensure that as many premises are served as possible.

Recent progress

The Department recently undertook a Public Review to assess whether any further premises could be made eligible for Project Stratum. This is to ensure that available funding is fully utilised, as no further funding is expected. Details of this review, including the response, when published, can be found at Project Stratum discrete state aid public review.

Please go to HyperfastNI to find out if your premises is within the current target intervention area.

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