25 April 2005
Broadband connectivity is set to expand even further into Scotland's rural communities with the news that BT and the Scottish Executive have come to an agreement to provide access to affordable broadband.
A total of 51,000 households and 5,400 businesses in 20 Scottish local authorities will gain access to broadband under the Executive's Broadband for Scotland's Rural and Remote Areas policy.
"We cannot allow remote and rural communities to fall behind simply because they cannot access this vital technology that can make a positive difference to many aspects of our lives," said enterprise minister Jim Wallace.
Bob Downes, the director of BT Scotland, added: "Ubiquitous broadband availability brings great opportunities for Scotland in education, public services and business life, and will place Scotland among the leaders of the G8 countries in terms of availability."
The Orkneys and Shetland isles are included in the proposals, which will see engineering work begin this week.© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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