FIBRE broadband network provider Fibrus says it plans to roll out its service to 15,000 homes and businesses to Castlewellan, Newcastle and Ballynahinch in the first half of this year.
It follows the successful completion of a pilot project in Dundrum last year.
And the company, founded by Conal Henry (chairman) and Dominic Kearns (chief executive), has declared war on its rivals for "misleading" customers on broadband provision.
Mr Kearns said: “Consumers are being mislead into thinking they are buying fibre broadband from the phone companies when they are not, and we support the calls from others in industry for honest and clear marketing around services.
“While we have plans to wholesale our network in the future, we intend to run our own retail division educating the market about the difference between fibre to the cabinet and full fibre services.
“Our message is clear, and we will be asking consumers why buy your broadband from a phone company with an old copper network when you can buy full fibre broadband from a broadband company.”
To support its investment programme, Fibrus has recruited a team of experienced professionals to firm up its management team.
David Armstrong, who has more than 20 years’ experience in senior management roles within the telecommunications sector, joins as sales and marketing director while Thomas Grant, who has worked with both established and emerging fibre operators across Europe for two decades, joins as chief technology officer.
Jenny Nuttall, a qualified and former practising chartered accountant, joins as chief finance officer while Conor Harrison come on board as chief operating officer.
Mr Kearns added: “This is a big year for Fibrus as we begin a major investment programme in full fibre infrastructure. Our challenge is to build a scalable organisation that will assist delivering the next generation of digital infrastructure that will future proof communities for years to come.
“We are about creating an opportunity for the industry’s best talent to address the biggest opportunity in telecoms for decades, and we are well on our way and are on course to deliver 15,000 homes in the first half of this year.
“As the organisation matures and we bring in more people we hope to keep improving on our homes delivered year on year to assist the government with its targets for 2025.”
