SNP ACTION IMPROVING DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY IN MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH

Colin Beattie MSP has welcomed that 24,158 premises in Midlothian and East Lothian have been connected to fibre-based broadband thanks to £1 billion of investment from the SNP Scottish Government.
 
The £463 million Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme, which launched in 2014, has connected over 950,600 premises in Scotland to fibre-based broadband – over 150,000 more than originally anticipated.
 
In addition, the £600 million Reaching 100% (R100) programme is rolling out connections in some of the country’s most challenging rural locations.
 
The local SNP MSP has said that this landmark achievement has been vital for improving digital connectivity in Midlothian and East Lothian and creating new and enhanced opportunities in this community for education, employment, and leisure.
 
Independent analysis has also shown that the programme is delivering £12 of benefits to the economy for every £1 of public funding.
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“I welcome that 24,158 premises in Midlothian and East Lothian have been connected to fibre-based broadband thanks to direct investment from the SNP Scottish Government and its £463 million Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme.
 
“Thanks to SNP action, over 950,600 premises across Scotland now have access to fibre-based broadband – delivering for both the community and the economy.
 
“We know how essential fast and reliable broadband is for both households and businesses in our day-to-day lives, and this ambitious programme underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving digital connectivity and creating a green, growing economy for Midlothian, East Lothian and beyond.”
 
ENDS