Broadband loss is business blow

BT said the broadband trial lasted two years longer than planned.

A County Tyrone businessman has said his plans to employ more people may have to be put on hold after a broadband trial in the area ended.

The trial gave some local households access to broadband speeds.

Conor McCullagh, who makes car licence plates at a site in Greencastle near Omagh, said the loss of broadband was a "serious blow".

BT said affected households had been given new broadband options including phonelines and satellite technology.

Mr McCullagh said broadband had been a "great help" for the business.

"We were able to have online support for customers," he said.

"The business currently has five full-time employees and Invest NI has recently given us support for another two employees.

"Without the broadband it is going to be more or less impossible to operate from our current location."

BT said the technology used in the trial, which had lasted two years longer than planned, was now redundant.

Greencastle was one of a number of areas included in the trial, which officially ended on Wednesday.