Local MP David Mundell has welcomed news that Ewes is to be included in the Community Broadband Scotland Project.
The Scottish Government led project aims to encourage and support the development of successful and sustainable community broadband projects to deliver Next Generation Broadband (NGB) through the use of innovative technologies and business models.
The move comes after Mr Mundell and local Councillor Denis Male hosted a public meeting earlier this year involving BT, the local Council, NFU and the South of Scotland Alliance.
Mr Mundell said: "This announcement is a direct result of the persistence and determination of the residents of the Ewes valley to get the same quality of broadband services as other places.
“The BT and Council representatives at our public meeting earlier this year, felt the full force of their feelings, but It became clear then that there would have to be Scottish Government investment if everybody in the valley was going to be able to access high speed broadband.
“And that's why this announcement is so important, and I hope that it will lead to the arrival soon of the broadband service local people want and need. “
Mr Mundell added: ”Given its importance in modern life, it is not acceptable for rural communities to be excluded from the rollout of this technology and I will continue to campaign for improvements to services throughout Eskdale."