29 May 2007

Scots are leading the way in take-up of high-speed Internet connections, a new report shows.

BT Wholesale found that the top five areas in terms of uptake rate are in Scotland, with Aberdeenshire topping the league with its 50.9 per cent rate.

Shetland, at 50.7 per cent, is in second place, followed by Stirling, Aberdeen and Moray.

A third of the Scottish population are hooked up to ADSL broadband, according to the poll. This is compared to the national average of 31.2 per cent.

Commenting on the findings, BT Scotland Director Brendan Dick said high-speed Internet connections are contributing to Scotland's economic success in a "huge" way.

He added: "Broadband adoption makes a lot of sense in tackling remoteness and enabling people to work where they live."

Mr Dick said this could contribute to Scotland's efforts of combating climate change.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the UK as a whole had nearly 13 million broadband subscribers by the end of 2006.

© Adfero Ltd

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