Residents and businesses are being urged to check if they can upgrade their broadband as Omagh currently has one of the worst connections in the UK.
People in Tyrone are being urged to check if they may be eligible for an upgraded broadband connection through the new Universal Service Obligation (USO) for Broadband.
The OFCOM Connected Nations 2018 report showed that one in five premises in the Fermanagh and Omagh district are unable to get a broadband speed of 10Mbps per second.
This is the worst service in Northern Ireland and one of the worst in the United Kingdom.
Under the USO for Broadband, residents and businesses have a legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection from BT.
BT is in the process of writing to premises that have been identified as receiving a broadband connection of less than 10Mbps download speed and 1Mbps upload speed, about the scheme.
Urging Fermanagh and Omagh residents and businesses to check if they may be eligible for an upgraded broadband connection, Councillor Chris Smyth, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said,
“The Council has continued to lobby key stakeholders for investment in broadband so that our residents and businesses can enjoy the benefits of reliable, good quality service.
“Access to reliable good quality broadband is more important than ever as we all adjust to a new normal with technology playing such an important role in how we keep in touch, work, learn, shop, do business and pursue hobbies and social interests.
“With 20 percent of premises in Fermanagh and Omagh unable to get a decent broadband speed, the launch of the Universal Service Obligation for Broadband, to help those who struggle to get online to benefit with an enhanced broadband connection, is welcome.
“I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible for an upgrade to contact BT directly using the telephone number and website address provided.”
Earlier this year, it was announced that homes in Aughnacloy, Ballygawley, Carrickmore, Castlederg, Coalisland, Donaghmore, Dromore, Fintona, Fivemiletown, Magheramason and Newtownstewart will be able to sign up to access high-speed broadband from Outreach.
Full fiber broadband gives homes and businesses access to broadband at speeds of up to 1Gbps, meaning faster connections and a more reliable service.
Source: https://ulsterherald.com/2020/08/15/scheme-launched-to-improve-broadband-connection/