Digital connectivity
The UK Government is improving digital connectivity to homes, businesses and public buildings across Scotland.
Why improve digital connectivity?
Improvements to digital connectivity give people the freedom to work more flexibly and develop thriving digital businesses.
Superfast broadband and gigabit-capable broadband connections enable faster internet download and upload speeds. This enables more people to use digital tools, like cloud computing and remote working. A gigabit-capable broadband connection can download an HD movie in less than 30 seconds.
How is the UK Government improving digital connectivity in Scotland?
The UK Government has invested more than £120 million in Digital Scotland and delivered superfast broadband connections to 740,000 homes and businesses in Scotland.
The Local Full Fibre Network programme has brought high speed connections to 350 public buildings in Scotland, including schools, health centres and fire stations.
The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme is a UK-wide scheme that offer vouchers to pay towards the cost of installing gigabit-capable broadband in rural areas.
So far 3,200 vouchers worth £7.75 million have helped to connect rural areas of Scotland.
The vouchers are worth up to £3,500 for small and medium sized businesses and up to £1,500 for homes.
You can use a postcode checker to find registered suppliers in your area who can guide you through the application.
The Scottish Government also offers the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme, worth up to £5,000, to help deliver a permanent broadband connection to properties where there is no roll-out of superfast broadband planned.
The UK and Scottish governments voucher schemes can combine in some instances. This means those in the hardest-to-reach areas of Scotland may be able to access up to £8,500 for businesses and up to £6,500 for homes to get connected.
More information
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