Hopes high for better broadband

The communications giant’s upgrades will potentially double connection speed for 16,670 homes and businesses in Cumbernauld, with the extension of its super-fast fibre broadband services – it is hoped by March.

The upgrades are part of a £2.5 billion project by Openreach, BT’s local network business, to make fibre broadband available to two-thirds of the UK by the end of 2014.

Brendan Dick, BT Scotland director, commented: “This important new development will significantly improve the broadband speeds available in Cumbernauld and the other parts of Scotland which are benefiting from super-fast broadband.”

The news was welcomed by local representatives including Labour MSP Mark Griffin, who said: “I am delighted that BT is increasing its investment in the area.

“It is ridiculous that in a town the size of Cumbernauld, such broadband problems exist. I have been given assurances that the 40 new street cabinets will ensure the majority of people in the area benefit from greater speeds and quality.

“Details on where precisely the cabinets are to be located is still being ironed out, but I plan to meet with BT to ensure the areas with the poorest service benefit first.”

Business lobbying organisation the CBI also hailed the announcement as “fantastic news”.