Broadband internet services will be available throughout Northern Ireland by the end of next year, ministers have announced.

It will be the first region in Europe to achieve 100 per cent access.  BT has been awarded a contract to deliver services by the end of 2005.

"This vitally important contract will deliver the government's broadband vision of a fully connected Northern Ireland," said enterprise minister Ian Pearson.

"In turn it will help make Northern Ireland more competitive."

Demand

Chief executive of BT Northern Ireland Bill Murphy claimed there had been a "groundswell for broadband availability".

"It is a tremendous tribute to be a key part of this momentum to enable all businesses and households in Northern Ireland and bring the very real benefits of connectivity," he said.

"This will ensure that Northern Ireland is a seriously attractive area for existing company expansion and new inward investment."

Ulster Farmers Union president John Gilliland argued that reaching the target would be particularly beneficial for those in rural areas.

"Many rural communities have already been campaigning to bring broadband to their locality," he said.

"This demonstrates the demand for the service and having it available to every household in Northern Ireland will ensure that a rural/urban divide does not open up.  It's very good news for rural families and rural businesses."