Project Gigabit adds 11,000 homes in Scotland

A Project Gigabit contract bringing broadband to around 11,000 premises across the Scottish Borders and East Lothian has been announced. This includes Athelstaneford and Innerwick in East Lothian and St Abbs, Broughton and Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders. These form part of a £26m contract awarded to Scottish company GoFibre by the Scottish Government and is the first Project Gigabit contracts in Scotland. This follows their previous contracts in North Northumberland and Teesdale, but this new contract is considerably larger.

“As technological advancements race ahead and revolutionise our day-to-day lives, we cannot afford to leave anyone behind.

“It is fantastic to see this UK Government-funded gigabit investment being delivered in Scotland for the first time, not only bringing thousands of people the fastest broadband networks on the market and levelling the playing field but also helping us realise our mission to boost economic growth and improve living standards across the whole country, under the PM’s Plan for Change.”

Sir Chris Bryant, Minister for Telecoms, UK Government

“Reliable internet connectivity is a vital part of everyday life – allowing people to work flexibly, engage in education and stay connected with loved ones.

The Scottish Government has successfully implemented digital infrastructure programmes across Scotland to increase broadband speeds and help grow the economy.

Expanding upon the achievements of the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband and Reaching 100% programmes, we will deliver Project Gigabit in Scotland to provide resilient connections that meet the needs of people and businesses now and into the future.”

Richard Lochhead, Business Minister, Scottish Government

Following the contract planning and survey work the first connections are expected later this year. Further contracts are expected to be signed covering Aberdeenshire and the Morayshire Coast, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Orkney and Shetland.