Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any steps her Department is taking to accelerate the roll-out of standalone 5G in (i) urban; and (ii) rural areas.
Minister for the Economy: I understand the importance of good quality mobile connectivity and remain committed to encouraging the rollout of mobile infrastructure to improve these services. My officials will continue to engage and collaborate with all relevant stakeholder to ensure that citizens and businesses throughout the North can fully avail of the benefits that wireless technology can offer.
Mobile infrastructure and associated services are currently provided on a wholly commercial basis in the North, however my officials are involved in several initiatives, such as the Mobile Action Plan (MAP) which should enable the fast and efficient roll of mobile infrastructure.
My officials are also currently engaging with colleagues in Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) to help develop a 5G Standalone project that should help improve the roll out of 5G SA mobile connectivity here. This project has the potential to help unlock the benefits of 5G and advanced wireless connectivity across the North.
ENDS
Your MLA 