Local Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSPs have strongly welcomed a major broadband boost across Perth and Kinross thanks to the UK Government.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSPs Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith, have highlighted £6 million worth of funding from the UK Government’s Local Full Fibre Network Programme which will be delivered across the Tay Cities Region.
Funding includes £2.9m from the UK Government given to BT to connect more than 150 schools, libraries and other public buildings in Angus and Perth & Kinross to gigabit-speed broadband.
There will be a further £1 million given for thirty more premises in Perth and Kinross.
The duo say this is a hugely welcome investment from the UK Government, particularly in rural communities where access to super-fast broadband is a critical issue.
In the current economic climate, they hope that an extension of broadband in the region will help to create further opportunities and safeguard current jobs.
Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said: “This shows the UK Government’s strong commitment to investing in broadband upgrades across the region.
“Having greater access to high-speed broadband is absolutely critical for residents, businesses and public services.
“Delivering greater connectivity helps to create greater opportunities and safeguard current jobs, which in the economic climate right now, is of the utmost importance.
“Both the UK Government and the Scottish Government need to continue to work together in order to deliver the broadband upgrades that are urgently needed.”
Fellow Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Liz Smith added: “Millions of pounds of broadband investment from the UK Government is incredibly welcome news.
“We need to ensure that as many of our public buildings, businesses and homes are connected to super-fast speeds as quickly as possible.
“This will go a long way to helping achieve that aim.
“Boosting access to broadband is a top priority for me and the UK Government have delivered a major boost for the Tay Cities region with this funding.”