Fast broadband to reach more than 9,000 rural premises across Northern Ireland

Fibrus Networks Ltd appointed to deliver Project Gigabit.

More than 9,000 rural homes and businesses across Northern Ireland are set to benefit from fast, reliable broadband under a major new £34.6 million infrastructure programme announced by the Economy Minister.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has confirmed that Fibrus Networks Ltd has been appointed to deliver Project Gigabit, the UK government-funded scheme aimed at bringing gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach communities.

The contract, which begins immediately, represents the next phase in Northern Ireland’s digital transformation and builds on the success of Project Stratum, which provided high-speed broadband access to 81,000 predominantly rural premises.

Dr Archibald said high-quality digital connectivity is now essential to everyday life and economic growth.

“High quality internet access is vital for our economy and wider society.  It is transformative for many households and businesses, enabling access to digital services, remote learning and work, and economic participation.

“At 94% gigabit capable coverage, the north is now the best connected part of these islands.  Building on this, Project Gigabit will extend this level of digital capacity to over 9,000 premises, further improving broadband infrastructure in predominantly rural areas.

“Digital connectivity is a vital enabler in building an inclusive, regional balanced economy. This investment further positions the north as a leader in the availability of fixed line fibre optic services, underpinning our digital transformation, competitiveness, and innovation.”

The announcement is particularly significant for rural communities where slow internet speeds have long been a barrier to business growth, remote working, online learning and access to digital public services.

For families, farmers and small enterprises in isolated areas, reliable gigabit-capable broadband can be life-changing — supporting home-based businesses, improving access to education, and helping people stay connected with loved ones.

Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said the investment reflects the growing importance of digital access in modern life.

“Access to gigabit-capable broadband is so important to modern life, whether that’s running a business, accessing digital public services, or staying connected with loved ones.

“That’s why we’re making crucial investments into digital infrastructure across Northern Ireland, to unlock economic opportunities, support Northern Irish communities, and ensure everyone can fully participate in the digital economy from wherever they live.”

Northern Ireland currently leads the UK and Ireland in gigabit-capable broadband coverage, with 94% availability, compared with 85% in England, 78% in Scotland, 76% in Wales, and 88% in the South.

Fibrus, which previously delivered Project Stratum, said the new contract reinforces its focus on rural connectivity.

Dominic Kearns, CEO and Co Founder of Fibrus, said:

“Delivering for rural communities is at the heart of what we do at Fibrus and this contract allows us to continue to provide more homes and businesses with the opportunities proper connectivity brings.

“We have a short history in Fibrus, but one that shows we can deliver on time and within budget like with Project Stratum. We are delighted to have been awarded another contract by the Government who have entrusted us once again with its delivery.”

Project Gigabit is funded by the UK government through the Department for Science, Innovation, & Technology (DSIT). Delivery oversight sits with Building Digital UK (BDUK), while the Department for the Economy (DfE) is the delivery partner for Northern Ireland.

The identification of eligible premises follows an Open Market Review, Public Review and full assessment of commercial plans and affordability, ensuring public funding is targeted only where commercial rollout is not viable.

Project Stratum, which completed its rollout on 30 June 2025, enabled 81,000 premises — many with previous download speeds below 30Mbps — to access gigabit-capable broadband of up to 1,000Mbps.

More details on deployment plans, including a premises checker, are available through the Department for the Economy, allowing homeowners and businesses to see if they will benefit from the new rollout.

The appointment of Fibrus follows a robust procurement process fully compliant with public procurement regulations.