Major broadband upgrade for 1.8m Scottish homes and businesses

Almost 1.8m homes and businesses in Scotland now have access to faster, more reliable broadband – but people need to check their postcode to see if they can upgrade now.

Openreach has rolled out gigabit-capable broadband to around 60 per cent of properties in the country – an investment of more than £540m.

However, only 40% have made the switch, prompting calls for residents to check their eligibility for upgrading.

There’s also a danger of a digital divide opening up in Scotland - Bellshill, Johnstone, Duntocher and Grangemouth are among the areas with the lowest take up of Full Fibre, meaning people could be missing out on faster, more reliable broadband.

Full Fibre allows for smoother streaming, faster downloads, and more stable connections - particularly important for households with multiple devices or for those working from home.

People in Scotland can see if they can upgrade to full fibre by visiting Openreach’s full fibre checker.

Robert Thorburn, Openreach’s Partnership Director for Scotland, said: “Reaching 60 per cent Full Fibre coverage is a huge milestone for Scotland. Our new network covers towns, cities and some of the most rural  parts of the country - but millions of people still haven’t made the switch. Upgrading isn’t automatic: you need to order with your chosen broadband provider. Checking your postcode online only takes a moment, and it could unlock a faster, more reliable connection.

“We’re building a network that’s not just faster, but greener. Through our ‘Let’s Reach Zero’ strategy, we’re cutting carbon, reducing waste, and protecting nature as we upgrade Scotland for the future.

“And none of this happens in isolation — our work with both the Scottish and UK governments continues to play a vital role in bringing Full Fibre to rural and hard‑to‑reach communities.”

Full Fibre technology offers a faster, more reliable connection that keeps up with the demands of today’s digital world.  

Whether streaming your favourite show, gaming online, making a video call, managing your finances, or running a business, full fibre keeps everything running smoothly.  

Openreach’s full fibre network now reaches more than 21 million properties, and the company plans to extend this to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026, with a belief it can reach as many as 30 million by the end of the decade – with the right investment conditions.