Derry Wireless Broadband Project Challenge The Northwest has a growing economy and requires an appropriate telecommunications infrastructure to support its rural and urban economic development. Broadband was seen as a key infrastructure requirement in the areas economic development, however coverage of affordable broadband at the time was limited. In 2002, WesternConnect identified an opportunity for trialling a wireless broadband network in areas not traditionally served by network operators. Solution Working with DETI a feasibility study was undertaken to review international best practice in terms of wireless broadband, evaluate wireless technologies suitable for the area taking into account regulatory and planning issues, locations for the trial and potential partners. Following acceptance of the feasibility study a broadband wireless pilot was identified for 2 major industrial parks in Derry City. As part of the trial WesternConnect managed the whole network rollout and implementation. This process involved: • Selection of technology partner • Recruitment of pilot companies to participate on trial • Planning and regulatory approval • Mentoring of pilot companies • Support and Evaluation WesternConnect consultants worked with the technology partner in the rollout and implementation of the network at the pilot company sites. Achievements The network was launched on the 1st October 2003 as the first commercial wireless broadband network in Northern Ireland. To date 14 of the 18 participating companies have signed up to a commercial service with our technology partner. Customer Satisfaction "The wireless broadband trial provided by WesternConnect has allowed our organisation to make the leap from narrowband to broadband quicker. The advice and, support from WesternConnect and the plug and play nature of the trial has been excellent." Tony Brennan, Director, October Stone Design