BT has announced plans to make faster broadband available to a further 124,000 homes and businesses in Scotland. Lockerbie is set to be one of 39 communities who will benefit from the roll-out program. The town has been included in the scheme seen as BT’s next generation in broadband service delivered over copper lines. The BT investment will make available download speeds of up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps) – more than double the speed previously available from BT. The existing cables are due to be upgraded by the Spring of next year. Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has been lobbying hard for the region to make sure it keeps up to speed with improvements in broadband provision, recognising the integral role it plays in enterprise and communication, particularly in this rural area.
Brendan Dick, BT Scotland director, said: “The rapid roll-out of faster broadband offers a great opportunity for Scotland. It is an important part of BT’s plans to help ensure that the nation is able to take full advantage of the communications revolution.
“The technology is having a major impact on our everyday lives and changing for the better the way we live, helping businesses work more efficiently and flexibly and find new markets. And communities are better able to make use of the huge range of on-line educational and entertainment opportunities available. But there is still much work to be done and we want to work with the public sector to find solutions for even the most challenging locations.”
Commenting Mr Mundell said:
“This is excellent news for Lockerbie and will provide boost to local businesses in the town. Growing up in the town in the 70s the internet was unimaginable, and this upgrade takes the opportunities available to residents to a whole new level. It is also good news for Lockerbie Academy, and will see internet provision match the top quality facilities the school already offers.”
Mr Mundell added:
“I am determined to make sure this is just the start of improvements locally and I will continue to campaign for other towns, villages and valley’s that could benefit from this type of investment.”