If all network deployments are realised as planned, the number of UK properties with full-fibre broadband will jump to 27 million by May 2026, according to Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations report. 

Last month, the UK telecommunications regulator revealed that over half (52%) of UK homes had access to full-fibre services, up from 3% since the rules to boost full fibre rollout were announced in 2017. 

If all goes according to plan, three quarters (76%) of UK properties could have gigabit-capable services available to them from two or more providers by May 2026, more than double the amount by May this year (30%).

However, connecting fibre optic cables to rural premises can be lengthy and expensive to carry out, meaning they often lag behind in infrastructure and speed. According to the UK Local Digital Index, Scotland ranks sixth overall, but ninth in infrastructure, finance and investment, and tenth in digital ecosystems among UK regions. 

According to Paul Coffey, CTO at Clarus Networks Group and Scottish connectivity specialist, less than one quarter of premises in the highlands and Islands have access to fast gigabit broadband connection. 

“It’s arguably time to focus efforts on accelerating connection in these areas,” he said. 

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Much of the planned builds by communications providers are focused on urban and suburban areas. Only 75% of rural properties are set to be covered by 2026, compared to 98% of urban properties. 

According to Coffey, it would be ideal to boost the gigabit broadband connectivity in Scotland, but to do so, there needs to be a shift in focus on the appropriate technologies and speeds for each location,  “whether that be fibre, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites or fixed wireless access (FWA) to supply high speed internet,” he said. 

“The technology is there, but right now, the biggest challenge to support a rural and remote rollout is the business model. We know commercial schemes aren’t feasible in these areas, we need to overhaul public schemes to allow suppliers more flexibility, and adapt voucher schemes to meet the needs of installation and ongoing operational costs,” he concluded.