BT has won a £20 million contract from the Northern Ireland Executive to improve public access to government services in the North.

The Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, said BT has been selected as the new NI Direct strategic partner in a deal that will run for at least seven years. BT will provide contact centre support, including telephone, web chat, email, SMS text and social media services to allow people access government .

He said the partnership would support the government commitment of improving online access to government services.

Colm O'Neill, chief executive of BT Ireland, said the partnership reflected how the changing needs and expectations of the public.

"Our partnership with NI Direct will focus on increasing the range, usage and quality of digital interactions and services which deliver the greatest impact and efficient for the public and departments."

Law firm Pinsent Masons advised the Department of Finance and Personnel on the project.