The DUP MLA secured an Urgent Question in the Assembly today. Speaking afterwards she said,
“The Minister whilst only newly appointed, was quick in her attempts to pass the buck on this issue. Whilst telecommunications policy is not devolved, the Department does have action plans around both mobile phone coverage and has delivered Project Stratum in relation to broadband coverage.
Regardless of precise contractual arrangements, customers expect to see political leadership from the Minister. Whilst there was silence from her predecessor during the storm, with his focus apparently elsewhere, the new Minister needs to take a grip of the situation.
She has the ability to apply pressure, both privately and publicly to these companies who are charging customers often significant sums for their services. She should be calling together those companies and including within that, representation from the UK Government to deliver a quick solution for customers who are still left without connection today.
We saw a very positive response from the UK Government during the aftermath of Storm Eowyn when there was a request made from the Executive for assistance. The Economy Minister now needs to make up for lost time and put a focus on companies to reconnect customers as quickly as possible.”