Scottish independent broadband provider GoFibre has reached a new milestone, with over 100,000 homes and businesses now being able to connect to its ultra-fast broadband network.

Dedicated to closing the digital divide in Scotland, the provider delivers full-fibre to rural and harder-to-research locations.

The news follows what the firm called “significant growth” over the last 18 months, which has subsequently led to network expansion.

As of June 2024, the provider’s full-fibre network is able to service more than 100,000 premises, across Scottish as well as northern English regions, including:

• Aberdeenshire: 9,600 premises.
• Angus: 12,200 premises.
• Fife: 23,500 premises.
• East Lothian and Midlothian: 21,500 premises.
• Scottish Borders: 23,900 premises.
• North Northumberland: 11,200 premises.
• Durham-Teesdale: 3,700 premises.

While the median average internet speed in the UK is 73.21 megabits per second (Mbps), as of 2023, GoFibre’s full-fibre connection provides speeds of more than double this in its entry-level package.

Speaking on the new milestone, Neil Conaghan, chief executive officer at GoFibre, said: “We are proud to have reached this significant milestone in such a short length of time, because that means we’ve been able to make a positive impact on even more lives and businesses quicker.

“In today’s digital world, where online activity is ever-increasing, a reliable high-speed broadband connection is essential and not having it in place can really hold people and businesses back from reaching their full potential.

“Our unwavering local focus and dedication to customers and local communities sets us apart. Scottish engineering and ingenuity has driven us to achieve this milestone, and has ensured that we can provide responsive, high-quality customer service from experts with local knowledge.

“This accomplishment firmly places us on the map as a major broadband provider in our regions, and we can’t wait to continue expanding our services, bringing high-quality connectivity to even more communities and customers.

“Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction will drive us forward as we build on this success.”

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In early 2022, GoFibre secured a commitment of £164 million from alternative asset manager Gresham House’s Sustainable Infrastructure strategy (BSIF), to accelerate its rollout of full-fibre throughout Scotland and the north of England.

In July 2023, the provider also launched the GoFurther Fund, to support charitable and community projects within the regions it operates.

Six months on from the initial funding to five local charities in East Lothian, Fife, and the Borders, the first share from the £50,000 fund has helped to support projects related to education and employability services, after-school support and activities, and more.