Internet boost for region

Faster broadband

North Lanarkshire infrastructure convener Al l a n Graham has welcomed news that a further tranche of premises across the area can now upgrade to faster fibre broadband.

It follows the continued rollout of the £428 million Digital Scotland superfast broadband project, which can now be accessed by more than 900,000 premises across Scotland.

Councillor Graham said: “Whether you’re downloading a box set, a small business making transactions or just keeping in touch with friends, fibre broadband can make it all happen easily.

“I’m delighted that more areas across North Lanarkshire can access fibre broadband thanks to the programme and more people are now able to get a superfast speed.”

Work on extending the project across the country will now continue into 2019, adding to the existing 11,800 kilometres of cable and 500 new street cabinets – due to “innovation and new funding generated by stronger-thanexpected take-up”.

The Scottish Government project is supported by the UK government, Broadband Delivery UK, BT, councils and the European Regional Development Fund.

Infrastructure minister Michael Matheson added: “Fast and reliable internet is absolutely vital to communities.

“It ’ s fantastic that more premises in North Lanarkshire are now able to connect, and we plan to deliver superfast broadband access to every home and business in Scotland by the end of 2021.”