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Belfast Telegraph

Northern Ireland is leading the digital revolution

Life moves fast, and now, so does the internet across Northern Ireland. Openreach has just surged ahead in the UK's digital race, reaching an incredible 90pc coverage with Full Fibre broadband. Whether you're streaming your favourite shows, joining video calls, running a business from home, or gaming with friends, this milestone is changing how people live, work and connect, from city centres to the most rural townlands. But how is Northern Ireland leading the way? Levelling the playing field Behind this digital leap is Openreach, the UK's largest wholesale broadband network. Openreach provides the infrastructure that keeps the country connected, supporting over 700 different internet providers, such as BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone and more. That means more choice for you when picking your broadband plan and the power to find one that suits your home, your school, or your business.. Full Fibre is the future of the internet. Unlike older copper cables, this broadband technology uses fibre-optic cables that are faster, more reliable, and ready for whatever the future throws at us, whether it's video calls, remote learning, online businesses, or smart homes. This breakthrough in digital infrastructure is more than just a technical upgrade, it's a full transformation of how Northern Ireland connects. With gigabit speeds and ultrafast fibre-optics, it means faster downloads, fewer glitches, and more people online at the same time without things slowing down. 'We're building for the future' Lauren McGaughey, Acting Director of Openreach Northern Ireland, said this is more than just a number; it's about building something that lasts. 'Reaching 90pc Full Fibre coverage is a significant milestone and reflects our commitment to connecting Northern Ireland to world-class digital infrastructure,' says Lauren. 'We're not just building for today - we're building for the future. 'Our focus is firmly on ensuring that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can benefit from fast, reliable, and sustainable connectivity.' Lauren also pointed out how this new technology is helping people live and work in more flexible ways. That includes enabling more flexible working to driving environmental benefits through reduced commuting. 'Full Fibre is changing the way we live and work - and we're proud to have reached this milestone.' A digital backbone More than 830,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland can now get Full Fibre broadband, and already, 64pc of customers are using it through the Openreach network. That number is expected to rise fast, and Openreach has plans to hit 97pc coverage in the near future. So if you haven't already switched to Full Fibre, there's a good chance it's available right now. And with lots of different internet providers to choose from, you can pick the one that's best for you. Katie Milligan, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer at Openreach, said this milestone puts Northern Ireland at the very top when it comes to digital connectivity. 'We're proud to play a central role in enabling economic growth, attracting investment, and supporting communities right across the region,' says Katie. 'Our continued investment in this digital backbone will keep Northern Ireland connected and competitive for decades to come.' Greener power Building better broadband isn't just about speed, it's also good for the environment. Full Fibre networks use less energy, and they can help people cut down on commuting by working from home. Openreach estimates this could save 300 million commuter trips every year. The company is also switching all of its 29,000 diesel vans to electric by 2030, which is a big step toward a greener future. Northern Ireland is officially winning the broadband race, and it's something to be proud of. From countryside villages to city centres, everyone now has a better shot at fast, reliable, future-proof internet. Lauren McGaughey adds, 'The rollout of this technology is helping to level the playing field between urban centres and rural areas, giving people and businesses more freedom to choose where they operate and grow.' So no matter how you use your broadband, Full Fibre is helping you do it faster, smoother, and greener.