Openreach has announced that half of all Scottish homes and businesses can now access ultrafast, reliable broadband, thanks to significant investment in the company's full fibre network.

The telecoms infrastructure company has invested over £435 million in Scotland, enabling 1.45 million properties to upgrade their broadband services. This represents a 38 per cent take-up rate, exceeding the UK average.

Openreach has prioritised connectivity in rural areas, with around 30 per cent of the new fibre footprint reaching the hardest to reach properties, including those on the islands of Tiree, Iona, and Mull, thanks to collaboration with the Scottish Government.

This significant infrastructure project will have a substantial impact on the Scottish economy. New research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) predicts that the fibre rollout could deliver a £4.38 billion boost to the Scottish economy by 2029. The research also forecasts an increase of 27,399 new residents, primarily in lower-density regions, and an additional 17,809 home-based workers.

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The new fibre network now reaches over 64,000 Scottish businesses, 1,500 education establishments, 900 hospitals, GP and dental practices, 590 care and nursing homes, 1,400 church and village halls, and 160 emergency and rescue services buildings.

This investment in digital infrastructure is crucial for Scotland's economic growth and social development.

Katie Milligan, Openreach Chief Commercial Officer and Chair of its Scotland Board, said: "Fast, reliable connectivity is a game-changer in every part of Scotland. It fuels economic growth and can support the redistribution of economic activity to less populated areas.

"This is quite simply one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades Scotland will see this century. We're paving the way to future job creation, remote work, digital learning, and innovative healthcare access.

"We're proud of the progress our engineers have made – and there's lots more still to come."

Work is continuing in dozens of cities, towns and villages – including Inverness, Perth, Helensburgh, Gourock and Castle Douglas – with Openreach's commercial build set to start in the island capitals of Lerwick, Kirkwall and Stornoway this year.

The Scottish Government's Minister for Business Richard Lochhead said: "This is a significant milestone in the mission to deliver faster, more reliable broadband to homes and businesses across Scotland.

"In today's world, fast, reliable broadband isn't just a convenience – it's a necessity for many individuals and businesses. That's why we're committed to extending coverage through public sector investment while continuing to encourage commercial build.

"We will continue to work with Openreach to deliver access to faster broadband where it is needed most – in rural and island communities – through the Scottish Government's Reaching 100% programme, which has benefitted from more than £600 million of Scottish Government investment."