Ultrafast broadband, capable of speeds of up to 2Gbps, has been installed in Cowie, Fallin and Plean as part of the Eastern Villages Full Fibre network project, with the final phase completed this week, linking Throsk and Bandeath Business Park.
The eight-month programme was led by Lothian Broadband Networks, with Stirling Council contributing £100,000 of the £5m cost through its award-winning Rural Broadband Infrastructure Programme. Other funding support came from the Scottish Government, Scottish National Investment Bank and Building Digital UK.
Innovative
Stirling Council leader, Cllr Chris Kane, said: “Residents in the Eastern Villages and surrounding areas have been ready to take advantage of the transformational potential of full fibre broadband for some time, but have been held back by logistical and technological challenges.
“I’m delighted that Stirling Council has worked with partners, including Lothian Broadband Networks, on this innovative solution that will allow people to access an ultrafast, reliable gigabit broadband service.
“Not only will this project help to boost connectivity, but it also has the potential to fuel economic growth and create new jobs in the area. A social tariff package will also ensure nobody is excluded from faster broadband on the basis of cost.
“It’s great news that even more residents in the Stirling area have access to a vital service that transforms how we all work, live, play and learn.”
Brilliant
Gavin Rodgers, CEO of Lothian Broadband Networks said: “It has been wonderful to be able to expand our ultrafast broadband network into Stirling’s Eastern Villages. This is another milestone in our ambition to bridge the digital divide across Scotland.
“I also want to thank Stirling Council who have been brilliant partners in this project and integral to its success. We hope we can work as closely with other authorities across Scotland.”
* Stirling Council’s Rural Broadband programme won the Scottish Government’s Delivering Excellence Award at the 2019 COSLA Excellence Awards as well as the 2019 UK-wide Independent Network Co-operative Association (INCA) Gold Prize.
* The 11 communities and business parks to secure ultrafast connectivity via Stirling Council’s Rural Broadband Programme are Balquhidder, Argaty & Kilbryde, Stockiemuir, Trossachs (Brig o’ Turk), Carron Valley, Auchinleck, Lochend and Dykehead, Aberfoyle, Thornhill, Manor Farm Business Park (Blairlogie) and Bandeath Industrial Estate.
* Lothian Broadband Networks – lothianbroadband.com - is the parent company of the Highland & Lothian Broadband brands and is Scotland’s leading rural fibre company and currently provide broadband services across East Lothian, Fife, Stirling, and the Highlands with plans to extend their service into other areas of Scotland throughout 2024 and beyond.