Future of Satellite Broadband Services

FUTURE OF SATELLITE BROADBAND SERVICES

DETI (the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment) currently has a 5-year contract in place with BT to provide broadband services across Northern Ireland.  Under that contract, around 800 consumers currently receive broadband access through satellite. The contract with BT will come to an end on 31st March 2009 and so too will the satellite service meaning that, with effect from 1st April 2009, those consumers who receive broadband through satellite from BT will no longer have access to broadband.

DETI is currently working to find an alternative supplier for these consumers.  Existing satellite customers will be entitled to free set up and installation of the service provided by the new supplier.  They will still be liable for monthly fees.  However, in order to avail of this free set up and installation, existing satellite customers must provide DETI with written confirmation that they are content for their details to be passed to the new supplier.  

BT has already written to those consumers who will be affected by the removal of the satellite service asking them to register their details with DETI however quite a number of consumers have not yet registered.  Customers who do not register now and, following a break in service, decide at a later date that they would like to take up the services offered by the new supplier, will be liable for set up and installation fees.  It is therefore imperative that any customers in Fermanagh currently availing of satellite broadband register their interest in the potential new service by Friday 5th December 2008.  Customers can do this by contacting Fermanagh District Council’s Development department on 028 6632 5050 or by completing the online registration form at http://www.fermanagh.gov.uk/pubuploads/Satellite%20registration%20form.DOC.