Manx Telecom says it's encouraged by government’s support for a new telecoms strategy.

This week Treasury revealed ?2 million will be put aside in the new Budget subject to negotiation with potential private sector providers.

Chief Financial Officer Iarla Hughes says: "Fibre is at the top of Manx Telecom’s priorities and FTTP (Fibre To The Premises) now covers all key business districts, industrial estates and selected residential areas.

"We are working hard to make it available across the Island as soon as possible.

"However achieving 100 per cent availability would require a massive investment so we welcome government’s continued commitment to finding a solution that serves the Island’s best interests via public and private sector collaboration."