BT has announced that 47 communities across Scotland, including Banchory, Culter, Peterhead, Portlethen, Huntly, Kintore, and Bucksburn in Grampian and Kirriemuir and Monifieth in Angus will receive next generation broadband. The changes, which are due to be completed by next summer, would mean properties in these communities will now receive internet speeds of up to 20Mbps.
The North East MSP has been a leading campaigner for investment in broadband for rural communities.
Commenting on the news, North East Scottish Conservative MSP, Nanette Milne said:
“This news will be welcomed by North East communities who for too long have had to put up with a slow internet connection. It was unacceptable that so many people in the North East particularly in rural communities have to put up with either little or no access to a broadband connection and I am glad that BT have finally taken some action.
“Not only will thousands of individuals benefit, but businesses will now be able to compete on an even platform with those in the rest of the country who are becoming increasingly reliant on having a reliable and good quality internet connection.
“However, while BT should undoubtedly be congratulated for this investment, there is still work to be done. There are still far too many communities in the North East for whom access to any type of broadband is still a long way off. BT must now start to concentrate on how to widen access in the North East even further.”