Major broadband upgrade for Highland homes

More than 6,200 hard-to-reach homes and businesses in the Highlands have been given access to faster, more reliable broadband through the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme, according to new figures.

People in the Advie, Alness, Ardvasar, Arisaig, Dalchreichart, Dalwhinnie, Fort Augustus, Glenmoriston, Helmsdale, Invergarry, Inverness, Kincraig, Kingussie, Lochailort, Mallaig, Muir of Ord, Munlochy, Nairn, Nethy Bridge, Salen, Strathpeffer, Strontian and Wick areas are the latest to benefit from the £600 million Scottish Government R100 broadband contracts being delivered by digital network Openreach.

They’re among the over 100,000 properties now reached by the R100 build across Scotland.

Business Minister Tom Arthur said: “Through our £600 million Reaching 100% Programme, we are investing in the digital infrastructure communities need to thrive.

“Access to fast, reliable broadband is essential for people across Scotland, helping homes and businesses stay connected and access the online services, opportunities and information they need.”

“The latest connections in the Highlands demonstrate the real impact of this investment, improving connectivity in some of Scotland's hardest to reach areas.”

Robert Thorburn, Openreach Partnership Director for Scotland, said: “The rollout of fast, reliable broadband to hard-to-reach homes and businesses in the Highlands is building real momentum.

“Our engineers are showing real innovation to upgrade these communities, putting them on a digital par with city centres and bringing a welcome economic boost.

“We're excited to see more people moving to full fibre services, and we encourage local businesses and residents to check online to see if they can get a faster, more reliable service."

Full fibre technology offers a faster, more reliable broadband connection. The once-in-a-generation technology enables locals to connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds and will help businesses trade online and compete for decades to come.

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