Construction of a new full-fibre broadband network will take place over the next few weeks in the town of Melrose as planning nears completion.

The network, to be constructed by Scottish independent broadband builder and service provider GoFibre, would connect more than 1,400 residents and businesses to full-fibre broadband.

GoFibre has a longstanding connection with the region and will continue to support the community with connectivity in the years to come.

Full-fibre networks are currently the best type of connectivity available, allowing communities to upload and download data with none of the disruption that ageing copper networks bring. However, it is only currently available to around 32% of UK premises.

GoFibre said its aim is to bring future-proof digital connectivity to Melrose, tackling the ongoing digital divide across Scotland, particularly when it comes to rural and harder to reach communities.

Once in place, speeds of up to 10Gbps would be available, transforming the ability for residents and businesses to work effectively from home, operate multiple devices simultaneously with no lag and download complete box sets in seconds.

Alex Cacciamani, GoFibre’s CEO, said: “Our planning stage, ahead of any construction work commencing, has been going very well and so we intend to begin our transformative works to connect Melrose to the best digital connectivity available in September.

“It’s vitally important for our shared future that we eliminate the digital divide across Scotland. Doing so will enable us all to reach our full potential, facilitating business growth and innovation as well as benefiting local communities through seamless connectivity.”

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Back in July, Burntisland and Cardenden in Fife also saw a connectivity boost through the construction a new full-fibre network in the area by GoFibre.

The network connected more than 8,000 residents and businesses to full-fibre.

Currently, GoFibre mainly covers underserved areas in the South and East of Scotland, but the company said the goal is to connect hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across Scotland and Northern England in the next three and a half years.

GoFibre said that the Melrose announcement is the next step towards that plan.

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