McLeod welcomes Broadband project announcement
SNP MSP for the South of Scotland Dr Aileen McLeod today (Tuesday) welcomed the formal signing off of the agreement between the Scottish Government and BT which will deliver next-generation broadband to 75% of Dumfries & Galloway’s homes and businesses. Dumfries & Galloway Council is also investing £12.6 million which will increase the percentage of homes and businesses covered to 95%, considerably higher than previously projected.
Dr McLeod commented:
“This is excellent news for Dumfries & Galloway. I am delighted that the project had been agreed since it will in itself deliver next-generation broadband to the majority of the region’s homes and businesses by 2015.
“I’m particularly pleased however that Dumfries & Galloway Council’s additional investment is now projected to take the total percentage coverage up to 95%. That is much higher than was previously suggested and makes a real difference to the overall project and its positive impact on the region.
“The Council really should be congratulated for having been part of discussions from the start and for being prepared to commit its own funds to support the project, thereby ensuring that 20% of the region’s remoter homes and businesses will benefit from next-generation broadband.
“I have always believed that fast, reliable internet access is crucial to the future economic development of the region. It is probably the most effective way of overcoming remoteness. Of course that only works if you can get it, and this morning’s announcement confirms that work on this important infrastructure project will start soon and that even more people stand to benefit than we thought at the outset.”
13.07.09
