John Lamont MP and Rachael Hamilton MSP welcome the new agreement to join up the UK and Scottish Government’s broadband voucher schemes to help rural areas get gigabit-capable connections.
A new collaboration between the Scottish and UK Governments will see voucher funding joined up to make more money available to subsidise the costs of building gigabit-capable broadband networks to hard-to-reach areas of Scotland.
With much faster internet download speeds, gigabit- capable broadband has the potential to make rural communities like the Borders even more attractive places to live by giving people the freedom to work more flexibly and develop thriving digital economies.
By combining these voucher schemes, Borderers can benefit from up to £8,500 funding for SMEs and up to £6,500 for homes.
The local politicians join Ministers from the UK and Scottish governments in urging businesses and communities to apply to future-proof their internet connections and be ready to reap the economic and social benefits brought by advances in technology.
John Lamont MP said: “Hundreds of homes and businesses across the Borders and many more across Scotland have been given access to more financial help to get top-of-the-range broadband speeds.
“I am delighted to see the UK and Scottish Government’s working together. This offer means eligible people experiencing the slowest speeds in some of the most remote areas of the Borders will be able to access a voucher that provides the maximum funding from both schemes
“Better connectivity is more important than ever, with many people relying on technology to stay in touch with loved ones and work from home as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic.
“I encourage local people and businesses to use the postcode checker on gov.uk to find out more information.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP, said: “It is fantastic to see the UK and Scottish Government’s working together to deliver a much-needed broadband boost to our rural communities.
“This is particularly important here in the Borders given the delay in the roll out of the SNP’s R100 broadband programme.
“Good internet connection will be hugely important going forward, keeping us connected with friends and loved ones, providing access to vital services and helping businesses to bounce back from the pandemic.
“This collaboration will ensure that more Borders residents, communities and businesses in the hardest-to-reach areas are able to access maximum funding available for better broadband.”
Matt Warman MP, UK Government Minister for Digital Infrastructure, said: “The UK Government is determined to connect every home and business to the fastest broadband available. Our new deal with the Scottish Government unlocks extra funding to help rural communities benefit from gigabit-capable connections.
“A quarter of all properties across the UK can now access these faster speeds and with more collaboration like this at a local and national level, we will see even more rural towns and villages staking their claim to these next-generation speeds.”
