To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any action she is taking to improve access to reliable high-speed broadband in rural parts of East Londonderry that remain outside current commercial and publicly funded roll-out plans.

In East Derry, www.thinkbroadband.com estimate that 96.01% of premises (56,378 premises) currently have access to gigabit-capable broadband which compares to 88% of premises in Britain. A further 1,474 premises are included in Project Gigabit, with delivery continuing through the current contract. For premises that may remain unserved, my officials are exploring alternative solutions, including technologies other than full fibre technologies that can support broadband such as satellite and mobile wireless.

My officials continue to engage with the British Government and telecommunications providers, and I will continue to press for additional funding to extend gigabit-capable broadband coverage to premises that might otherwise remain unserved.