Tuam region to be taken out of broadband dark ages

THERE is renewed optimism this week that Tuam and the North Galway area will finally enter the digital age proper with the announcement that Shell is to sponsor an industrial grade high-speed fibre optic broadband connection for the region.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced on Monday that the company is to fund the installation of a fibre link along ducting laid along the Corrib gas pipeline. The 132 km of high capacity fibre broadband will be gifted to the State when completed. The Department of Communications will pay €5 million for the specialised ducting and Shell is providing €750,000 for the cable. Grants and supports will be made available for the installation of connections from the main route when the initial stages of the project are completed next year.