Scotland full fibre broadband plans have been boosted after five operators pledged support to maximise coverage through Scotland’s Full Fibre Charter.

The Charter was launched in December 2020 with Axione, CityFibre and Openreach serving as founding signatories.

Borderlink, Cloudnet, Hyperoptic, Lothian Broadband Group and Virgin Media O2 have now joined them to help extend full fibre services across the country.

This pledge follows a government extension of 100% non-domestic rates relief on newly rolled out fibre until March 2034.

Providing these broadband services is particularly important to those living in rural areas, which has limited access due to their isolated locations.

Future-proofed digital infrastructure and broadband access has also become a vital part of growth and the development of a low carbon economy, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic when digital uptake expanded.

Access to high-speed digital connectivity helps to build resilience and enable businesses to grow in Scotland, and allowing them to move into new markets, boost innovation and enhance exports. Additionally, this helps create jobs and protect livelihoods all around Scotland.

Commenting on the news, Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “We want Scotland to become a truly digital nation, underpinned by high quality connectivity that supports people and businesses, innovation and growth. Our digital infrastructure is critical and central to our economic and social success.

“Supporting the ambitions set out in our recently published National Strategy for Economic Transformation, we have extended rates relief on newly ‘laid and lit’ fibre for a further five years. This is expected to unlock further commercial investment and help drive delivery of full fibre networks.

“Delivered through our Full Fibre Charter, we are able to encourage operators to back fair working practices to help boost skills and focus on opportunities for career progression.”

She added: “As well as ensuring more households and businesses access full fibre broadband, our investment in future-proofed, resilient connectivity can help deliver our ambitions as a nation of entrepreneurs and innovators.”

Recommended

• How can we break down barriers for women entering tech?
• Shortlist announced for 2022 Digital Technology Awards
• Hazard-resistant robot goes underground at radioactive Dounreay site

The rollout of better broadband to the people of Scotland has been underway across the country for years.

In May 2021 Openreach revealed plans to build ultrafast full fibre broadband to at least 300,000 additional homes and businesses across the country.

Additionally, the firm announced that more than 160 exchange areas in Scotland would be upgraded, with most homes and businesses in places such as Fort William, Oban, Turriff, Burntisland, North Berwick, Pitlochry and Stranraer set to benefit from the project.

Lothian Broadband Group gained £20 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank in January of this year to help combat rural digital inequality in Scotland.

The money came in addition to £5m of new investment shared by the firm’s shareholders, and said the funding was part of plans to invest £75m to connect over 70k premises over the next four years.

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.