Clare Haughey MSP has welcomed new figures from the Scottish Parliament’s information centre which show a steep increase in the availability of superfast broadband in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
Telecommunication, including broadband roll-out, is a matter for the UK Government but the Scottish Government has intervened with a £1 billion investment to connect premises to fibre-based broadband in Scotland.
When the MSP was first elected a number of constituents, particularly those residing in new-build estates, frequently flagged up the issue of lack of superfast broadband in their areas.
As of last month (September), nearly 99 per cent of properties in South Lanarkshire now have access to superfast broadband – up significantly from 70 per cent in 2014.
Across the whole of Scotland, 95 per cent of households now have access – an increase of 45 per cent in the past decade.
Clare Haughey MSP, said; “When I was first elected, access to superfast broadband was one of the issues that constituents raised with me most frequently – particularly by those in new builds such as in Newton Farm, the new estate at the top of Greenlees Road in Cambuslang, and parts of Spittal.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to see this dramatic rise in access, thanks to significant Scottish Government investment in programmes to make this happen.
“Although Telecoms responsibility is reserved to the UK Government, the Scottish Government has long recognised the vital importance of good digital connectivity – both for work, for business and for day-to-day life.
“Broadband access removes barriers to work and study for many, and helps to boost economic growth – key priorities for the Scottish Government. These new figures show the benefits that long-term investment in infrastructure is having in Rutherglen and Cambuslang”.
From 2025, all new builds in Scotland must have access to superfast broadband as the SNP Government delivers on a Programme for Government commitment.
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