Ed Vaizey hails progress on Scotland fibre broadband rollout

Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey has said "great progress" is being made on the rollout of fibre optic broadband across Scotland.

The Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband partnership has already brought the technology to more than 170,000 homes and businesses in 160 locations.

BT, which is delivering the work, announced last week that superfast broadband had gone live in 15 new areas, including Portsoy, Cowdenbeath, Dalgety Bay and Torphins.

Welcoming the news, Mr Vaizey said investing in fibre broadband is a key part of the UK government's plan to ensure homes and businesses throughout Britain are able to enjoy the benefits of world-class connectivity.

"We recognise that the growing demands of the digital age will have a significant impact on the UK's competitiveness," he commented.

Mr Vaizey added that the £410 million programme, which is bringing fibre broadband to places not covered by commercial rollouts, is helping to make the UK "a more efficient and attractive place to do business".