Nearly 5000 households and businesses across Lanarkshire now have faster internet access thanks to the progress of a nationwide programme to improve connectivity.
More than 3900 “hard-to-reach” premises in Crossford are among the latest to receive an improved broadband connection through the Reaching 100% initiative, being run by the Scottish Government and delivered by digital network Openreach.
A further 750 properties in Greengairs, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth also now have the improved service, meaning that “more than half of all properties across North Lanarkshire are now passed by the new full fibre network”.
They are now among around 70,000 premises across Scotland to have been reached by the ongoing programme to improve access to full fibre broadband, described as “more than 30 times faster than superfast”.
Openreach partnership director Robert Thorburn said: “There’s been more good progress in our efforts to connect Lanarkshire’s hardest-to-reach locations. Our engineers are showing real innovation to upgrade these communities, putting them on a digital par with city centres and bringing a welcome economic boost.”
Residents can check if their property is ready for connection and register for updates at www.openreach.co.uk/r100 – and once available, arrange upgrades through their preferred provider, and Mr Thorburn added: “We’re excited to see more people moving to full fibre services, and we’d encourage local businesses and residents to check online to see if they can get a faster, more reliable service.”
Business minister Richard Lochhead said: “Our Reaching 100% digital connectivity programme is bringing faster, reliable broadband to more people across Scotland every single day.
“Reliable internet provides better access to education and public services, enables remote working and provides more opportunities for rural businesses to reach global markets.
“We’re committed to extending coverage where upgrades are most needed. I look forward to monitoring continued progress as rural communities make use of their new full fibre connections.”
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