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Go ON NI makes getting online easy

Internet access and broadband

Internet access can be provided using different broadband technologies including satellite, cable, telephone wires, wireless or mobile connections. Find out how to get internet access both in the home and outside it.

Free internet access at local libraries

All local and mobile libraries have computers with free internet access - you can book half hour or hourly sessions. Contact your local library for more information about this free service. Use the following link to get contact details for your local library or to book a computer session through Libraries NI website.

  • Find your local library

Helping someone get started online

Many people are still missing out on the benefits the internet has to offer – because they lack the know-how or the confidence, or they don't have access to a computer or an internet connection.

If you have a friend or family member who needs support getting started with the internet, follow the link below.

  • Help others discover the internet

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

If you want to access the internet at home, you'll need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and a router to connect to the ISP. ISPs often provide a router with their service. This means more than one computer or device in your house can use the broadband connection at the same time.  Some devices can also use Wi-Fi to connect to the router.

As ISPs often improve their services, it is useful to have updated information about what they can offer. Go to your ISP's website and see if they use an online checker where you can find out what services are available in your area. You might need to use your postcode or telephone number in the online checker.

It is helpful to get recommendations from a reliable source, or from friends who have an ISP. When you are researching the ISP on your own, get accurate, detailed information about their services.

Tips on choosing an ISP

Check your equipment

Make sure you have the right computer and software to work with any chosen ISP as some ISPs require specific browsers and some services don't work with AppleMac hardware or software. To get some connection speeds you'll need a specific modem.

What the ISP offers you

Find out what your ISP offers and decide what you actually need. Consider how long you expect to be online, the size of the files you will be transferring and when you are most likely to be online. It is not recommended to select an ISP by price alone.

Broadband

If you want to use the phone whilst you are online, you can choose a broadband connection or get a second line installed specifically for internet access. A broadband connection allows online access all day:

  • to receive instant emails
  • to surf the internet
  • to exchange large files

More information on broadband is available below.

Building your own website

If you are thinking of building your own website, choose an ISP that offers hosting space as part of the package.

Technical support

Find out what technical support is available and how much the ISP charges for this service. Ask what the ISP does to prevent or manage system failures.

Broadband

Internet access can be provided using different broadband technologies including satellite, cable, telephone wires, wireless or mobile connections. Available broadband services can vary across Northern Ireland. 

What broadband is

Broadband internet services are usually provided over a standard telephone line. However, the phone and internet signals are separated - so you can use your phone at the same time as the internet.

Broadband gives you much faster access to the internet, allowing you to download large files quickly, such as video and music. Broadband is constantly connected, so you don't have to wait for a connection to be made when you want to use the internet.

You might also decide to go for wireless or mobile broadband. For wireless broadband you need to buy a router - or you might get one from your ISP as part of your service package. Remember, your computer or laptop must also be wireless enabled.

A mobile broadband connection can be used anywhere that you get a mobile phone signal, but you need to arrange the service through a mobile broadband provider.

  • Broadband and mobile checker

Other options

If Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) broadband is not available in your area via your phone line, there are alternatives. These include cable and satellite.

Cable

Cable companies offer high bandwidth services over existing cable networks. A cable modem can offer a similar speed to ADSL services.

Satellite

Broadband internet access can be brought into your home via satellite. Currently, there are two types of satellite broadband available:

  • one way
  • two way access

One way access provides a very fast connection, but you can only receive information. For example, you can download internet pages and files, but you can't upload email attachments. If you need to send information back, you will need to use a cable modem, or dial-up service.

Two way allows information to be sent both ways. You can send data files back, as well as receive them, via your satellite. However, sending information back via this service is slow and expensive.

The advantage of using satellite broadband services is that it can be used anywhere.

Wi-Fi

There are also Wi-Fi hotspots which can give you access to fixed-line broadband at different locations. You don't have to pay for equipment but you may have to pay for your time online. Usually, there are no usage limits. Hotspots are normally quicker than mobile broadband for browsing and downloading. You can get free Wi-Fi but for the best coverage you'll have to pay.

Getting online to begin with

Advice if you don’t have fixed-broadband connection, information on .Mobile WiFi (“MiFi”) Dongle, mobile data bundles, Internet companies having removed data ‘caps’ for fixed broadband (check with your provider) and “zero-rated” NHS sites:

  • Digital Unite
  • telecoms.com

Basic broadband packages

Check with broadband providers for a basic package at about £10 per month for 15GB data, Wi-fi, Virus protection, parental controls if you are receiving Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers allowance, Pensions Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.   

Apps to keep you connected

Information about Nextdoor, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Facetime, Skype, Google Duo and Zoom.

  • Supporting Communities

Accessibility settings

Help making your device easier to use.  Step-by-step guides to individual adjustments can make your device easier to read. My Computer My Way has advice on how to open accessibility settings for IOS, Android and Windows 10.

  • AbilityNet - My Computer My Way

The RNIB  technology resource hub  has information and factsheets.

  • RNIB helpline: 0303 123 9999

Technology for Life Team:

  • phone: 0303 123 9999
  • email: tfl@rnib.org.uk

More useful links

  • Discover the internet
  • Learn to keep in touch online/ improve digital skills
  • Free internet access
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Discover the internet

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  • Connect, learn, work and be safe from anywhere
  • Email, internet and social media
  • Go ON NI events
  • Internet access and broadband
  • Keyboard and mouse basics
  • Staying safe online

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What to do next

Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to anglingcorrespondence@daera-ni.gov.uk 

If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit.  Contacts for common benefits are listed below.

Carer's Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912
Email 
dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Call 0800 587 2750 
Email 
customerservice.unit@communities-ni.gov.uk

Disability Living Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912 
Email dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

Employment and Support Allowance

Call 0800 587 1377

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

Personal Independence Payment

Call 0800 587 0932

If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to bluebadges@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk or you can also call 0300 200 7818.

For queries or advice about careers, contact the Careers Service.

For queries or advice about Child Maintenance, contact the Child Maintenance Service.

For queries or advice about claiming compensation due to a road problem, contact DFI Roads claim unit.

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section, then for queries about:

  • Restrictions or regulations — contact the Department of Health
  • Travel advice (including self-isolation) — contact the Department of Health
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations — contact the Department of Health or Public Health Agency

If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk and for queries about your certificate, email covidcertni@hscni.net.

For queries or advice about criminal record checks, email ani@accessni.gov.uk

Application and payment queries can be emailed to ema_ni@slc.co.uk

For queries or advice about employment rights, contact the Labour Relations Agency.

For queries or advice about birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates and research, contact the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) by email gro_nisra@finance-ni.gov.uk

For queries about the High Street Spend Local Scheme,  email HSSS.mail@economy-ni.gov.uk.

For queries about:

  • Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN
    contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea
     
  • Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing
    contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk.

 

For queries or advice about passports, contact HM Passport Office.

For queries or advice about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), including parking tickets and bus lane PCNs, email dcu@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

For queries or advice about pensions, contact the Northern Ireland Pension Centre.

If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section.

If you wish to check on a problem or fault you have already reported, contact DfI Roads.

For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service.

For queries or advice about rates, email LPSCustomerTeam@lpsni.gov.uk

For queries or advice about  60+ and Senior Citizen SmartPasses (which can be used to get concessionary travel on public transport), contact Smartpass - Translink.

If you have a question about a government service or policy, you should contact the relevant government organisation directly.  We don't have access to information about you.

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