Coronavirus: Supporting economic recovery post COVID-19

As the country begins to recover following the shutdown, it is clear to me that infrastructure will be central to economic growth. Here in Northern Ireland we are determined to play our part.

Full Fibre is central to NI’s digital future and economic growth and will provide the region with more reliable, faster and future-proof broadband. 

Impact on Demand

Economist Richard Johnston, Deputy Director of the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, in a paper commissioned by Openreach, has found that there have been ten significant changes over the last few months that will, ultimately impact on demand for Full Fibre. These changes will lead to:  

• ‘Levelling up’ connectivity across the province can lead to greater opportunities for jobs to be located in rural rather than urban areas. Leading to economic as well as social regional rebalancing.
•  Sustainability – supporting remote working to become more commonplace, therefore reducing commuter journeys, traffic congestion and Co2 emissions. 
• Removing barriers to employment - those who are vulnerable or have caring responsibilities can enter the labour market with greater opportunities to work from home. 
• Digitalisation – supporting the use of new technology across health care, education, access to government and facilitating new technologies for home, family and social life.

Key advantage

I have no doubt that the months and years ahead are going to be tough for many as our region, country, the world recovers post Coronavirus. 

However as the report and paper show, access to high speed broadband is a key advantage to Northern Ireland for the growth of high tech industry and to encourage and attract Foreign Direct Investment. 

Here at Openreach we’re committed to bringing ultra-reliable and ultrafast broadband to as many people as we can, as quickly as possible, and to build a strong and resilient network that meets the needs of our customers and of the region, now and in the future.

Mairead Meyer, Director of Openreach Northern Ireland

Source * https://www.thinkbroadband.com/news/8757-may-2020-update-on-broadband-availability-across-the-uk-nations-and-regions