Derry hopes fibre broadband will tempt California businesses

Derry's fibre optic broadband infrastructure is being promoted to businesses in California by the city council.

A delegation from the local authority, including chief executive Sharon O'Connor and digital champion Mark Nagurski, have jetted off to the US this week to develop business and tourism links with the state.

Their visit has been timed to coincide with the Clipper 11-12 International Yacht Race, which is taking place in San Francisco.

Ms O'Connor explained the council chiefs will highlight the fact that Derry is the first city in the UK and Ireland to have universal super-fast broadband access.

"Our pace of advancement is ahead of other cities across the UK and we're getting our message out there that our city is the perfect location for investment and to do business," she added.

BT announced the completion of the £3.7 million rollout of fibre optic broadband services to 100 per cent of homes and businesses in Derry last October.