Around 10,000 Ayrshire homes earmarked for faster broadband
Close to 10,000 homes in Ayrshire are to gain access to lightning-fast broadband for the first time as part of £157million UK government investment.
The news, part of the government's Plan for Change to boost economic growth has been welcomed by all four Ayrshire Scottish Labour MPs.
The aim is to tackle digital exclusion across the entire UK and boosting local economic growth through giving businesses the vital tools they need, to improving access to public services like virtual NHS appointments.
In a collective statement, MPs Alan Gemmell, Elaine Stewart, Irene Campbell and Lillian Jones said: 'This is brilliant news for people in North, South and East Ayrshire. Access to the internet is no longer a luxury, it is an essential way we live, work and learn in our everyday lives.
'I'm delighted homes across Ayrshire are set to benefit from the UK Labour Government making this investment, which will help families and grow our economy.'
Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray said: 'This £157 million UK Government investment is a game changer for tens of thousands of homes and businesses in the most remote areas of Scotland.
'Rolling out lightning-fast broadband will equip and inspire local businesses to thrive, enable families to access vital services, and build resilient communities.
'Our Plan for Change recognises that rural communities are the backbone of our nation and economic growth must reach every corner of Scotland, ensuring that opportunity isn't determined by postcode but by potential.'
The deal was struck under an £800 million agreement with Openreach announced last August as part of wider plans to end the plight of digital exclusion across rural Britain, with work already underway to connect over 227,000 premises in hard-to-reach parts of Wales and England as part of the agreement. The agreement is funded by the UK government who will work alongside the Scottish Government and Openreach to deliver the coverage.
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