06/02/2009

Homes and businesses in some of the most rural areas of Scotland are benefitting from a Scottish Government broadband project.

Some 4,000 premises are now able to access the internet via broadband, following the award of a £3.3 million contract to Avanti Caledonian Broadband in June 2008.

Finance secretary John Swinney visited one of the businesses - campsite Ardgualich Farm, near Pitlochry - and talked about the scheme.

'I am delighted that this Scottish Government project has provided broadband access for so many householders and businesses, including Ardgualich Farm,' he said.

'Through initiatives of this kind we will build on our economic recovery plan to ensure Scotland is well placed for a faster and stronger recovery.'

The project aimed to deliver broadband to areas unable to receive it through ADSL.

Avanti got round the problem by using a number of technologies, including satellite and wireless, to provide the service.

Chief executive David Williams said that the contract meant Scotland would have universal broadband three years ahead of the deadline laid out in the Digital Britain report.