More money for broadband network

Businesses will grow and jobs will be created under a new multimillion-pound investment in superfast broadband, the Scottish Secretary has said.

The new fund of £32 million is said to be available to expand the broadband network as far as possible in the country, in line with UK Government targets. It adds to £68.8 million allocated by the UK Government in August last year following a spending review.

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: "Access to superfast broadband means Scottish businesses can expand, develop new markets and compete globally. It also allows local communities to access public services more quickly and efficiently online."

He continued: "Providing Scotland with high-speed broadband is essential for businesses to grow and to create the new jobs we need. That is why the UK Government believes broadband is essential not only for everyday life but also for the future economic success of Scotland and the UK."

Telecoms regulator Ofcom says superfast broadband connection speeds must be at least 24Mbps.

In August 2011 the UK Government said English counties would receive £294.8 million, Scotland £68.8 million, Northern Ireland £4.4 million and Wales £56.9 million of the funding.

The new £32 million pot of money is additional funding, following analysis of the online infrastructure in Scotland, the Treasury said.

According to Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt: "(The Government is) determined to ensure the whole of the UK can share in the benefits and opportunities the internet offers. The internet provides huge opportunities for growth by enabling businesses to access new markets and develop new products.

"This extra investment will help Scotland develop the infrastructure that businesses need to grow in the digital age."