Shortcomings in government incentives for high-capacity network expansion are stifling the ability of altnets to serve UK business growth, according to Neos Networks.
Over 900 public buildings in Northern Ireland have been connected to gigabit broadband following more than £25m of UK Government investment.
Included are 240 GP surgeries, 148 community centres, 90 council offices, 79 recycling centres, 69 fire stations and 63 leisure centres.
The connections were mostly delivered through the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Project, which hopes commercial broadband providers will be incentivised to deliver upgrades to surrounding homes and businesses by building off the government-funded fibre network.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis said: “This fantastic investment to boost broadband speed in hundreds of public buildings across Northern Ireland will make a real difference to local people, facilitating high speed access at key local government, health and recreational services to enable them to better serve their communities.
“Combined with the £172 million investment from Project Stratum, this investment of over £25 million will truly strengthen connectivity in Northern.”