To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 7701/17-22, when the (i) 388 residences in Garvagh; (ii) 508 residences in Aghadowey; (iii) 455 residences in Dundooan; (iv) 510 residences in Kilrea; (v) 453 residences in Macosquin; and (vi) 3,068 residences in East Londonderry due for the superfast broadband improvements are expected to be completed.

The contract to deliver Project Stratum was awarded to Fibrus Networks Ltd in November 2020. The project will deliver gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure to over 76,000 primarily rural premises across Northern Ireland.

My Department is unable to confirm when improvements will take place for all premises in a specific area. Fibrus Networks has developed a website to provide key information throughout the deployment phase of the project. This includes an online postcode/address checker, enabling citizens and businesses to confirm if/when their premises are included for improvement. This can be accessed at www.hyperfastni.com. The information will be updated as the project progresses.

Pursuant to AQW 7701/17-22, there are 78,750 premises within the target intervention area for Project Stratum. Unfortunately, with the funding available, Fibrus Networks’ solution could not reach all of the premises designated as eligible for the intervention. There are 2,517 premises currently out of scope. The impact of this on the areas raised is as follows:

Of the 388 premises in Garvagh identified as eligible for Project Stratum, 371 are included in the current build plans;

Of the 508 premises in Aghadowey identified as eligible for Project Stratum, 486 are included in the current build plans;

Of the 455 premises in Dundooan identified as eligible for Project Stratum, 443 are included in the current build plans;

Of the 510 premises in Kilrea identified as eligible for Project Stratum, 496 are included in the current build plans;

Of the 453 premises in Macosquin identified as eligible for Project Stratum, 438 are included in the current build plans; and

Of the 3,068 premises in East Londonderry identified as eligible for Project Stratum, 2,883 are included in the current build plans.

Discussions have already commenced with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to secure additional funding that, under the terms of the contract, would permit more eligible premises to be reached across the Project Stratum intervention area.