Highland remote areas set for fast broadband boost as Openreach continues R100 scheme rollout
Households and businesses in rural areas could benefit from faster internet in the coming months as part of a Scotland-wide scheme rollout.
The Reaching 100 per cent (R100) programme is an ambitious digital infrastructure project currently underway in a bid to connect thousands of hard-to-reach locations to full-fibre broadband.
Around 3,900 households and businesses in Spean Bridge, Nairn and Brodie – on the Moray border– are the latest to benefit from the £600 million broadband contracts being delivered by digital network Openreach.
Over the next six months, engineers are due to start work in Arisaig, Cairngorm, Cannich, Carrbridge, Dalchreichart, Dalwhinnie, Fort Augustus, Glenmoriston, Glenurquhart, Invergarry, Kincraig, Kingussie, Lochailort, Nethybridge, Newtonmore, Mallaig and Tomatin.
Business minister, Richard Lochhead said: "Our Reaching 100% digital connectivity programme is bringing faster, reliable broadband to more people across Scotland every single day.
“Reliable internet isn’t just a convenience. It provides better access to education and public services, enables remote working and provides more opportunities for rural businesses to reach global markets. That’s why we’re committed to extending coverage where upgrades are most needed.
“With around 70,000 premises now connected through these contracts, I look forward to monitoring continued progress as rural communities make use of their new full fibre connections.”
Overall, demand for full fibre services has topped 50 per cent in the Highlands, ahead of the Scottish average of 38 per cent.
The R100 contracts are being delivered by digital network Openreach and its build partners.
Openreach partnership director, Robert Thorburn said: “The rollout of fast, reliable broadband to hard-to-reach Highland homes and businesses is building real momentum.
“Our engineers are showing real innovation to upgrade these communities, putting them on a digital par with city centres and bringing a welcome economic boost.
“We're excited to see more people moving to full fibre services, and we encourage local businesses and residents to check online to see if they can get a faster, more reliable service."
Full fibre broadband offers speeds more than 30 times faster than the Scottish Government’s original superfast targets, providing a future-proof connection that supports everything from seamless streaming and online gaming to better business productivity.
Residents can check if their property is ready for connection and register for updates at www.openreach.co.uk/r100.
Once the technology is available, customers can arrange upgrades through their preferred provider.
