Full Fibre broadband boost for Lewis homes
A major broadband boost is bringing Full Fibre broadband to more homes and businesses across Lewis – with the first properties now able to upgrade in Back.
Two publicly funded initiatives are joining forces to maximise impact: Project Gigabit, funded by the UK government and managed in Scotland by the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme, The rollout is seeing properties in the Back, Garrabost and Timsgarry communities getting access to faster, more reliable broadband.
More than 2,300 properties across the Na h-Eileanan Siar can already upgrade to Full Fibre broadband – which includes Openreach’s own commercial roll-out – with more than ten thousand set to benefit across the wider archipelago in the coming years.
The collaboration between UK and Scottish governments is creating opportunities to drive efficiencies between the R100 programme – which has already connected more than 90,000 properties – and Project Gigabit, enabling even more access to gigabit-capable broadband for rural communities.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Providing communities on Lewis with full fibre broadband is a major step forward and it shows what can be achieved when we bring together Project Gigabit and our £600 million R100 programme. By combining these initiatives, we’re maximising the impact of public investment and accelerating rollout in rural communities.
“Fast, reliable internet is essential for modern life. It supports businesses, enables remote working and attracts new opportunities for our rural economy. This collaborative approach ensures that homes and businesses on Lewis can access these benefits as quickly and effectively as possible.”
UK telecoms minister Liz Lloyd said: “The UK Government, through Project Gigabit, is funding and delivering essential infrastructure, to ensuring communities in Lewis have the digital connectivity they need to access opportunities, grow businesses and thrive.”
Fibre technology provides more reliable, resilient and future-proof connectivity, with fewer faults; more predictable, consistent speeds; and enough capacity to easily meet growing data demands.
It boosts every online experience, from seamless streaming and gaming for households to smooth video calls, banking and customer interactions for businesses, with much less buffering or slowdown at busy times.
Robert Thorburn, Partnership Director for Scotland, said: “It’s great to see these first properties connected to Full Fibre broadband.
“We know how vital fast, reliable broadband is for people living and working in rural communities, and we’re working hard to make sure they’re not left behind.
“However, upgrades are not automatic and people need to contact their service provider to see if they can switch to Full Fibre now.”
