UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont in Attendance as GoFibre Showcases Broadband Network in the Borders

With construction of its full fibre network well underway throughout the Scottish Borders, Scottish independent broadband provider, GoFibre, recently met with UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont to discuss progress and benefits for the area.

Mr Lamont was welcomed to Laughing Ducks Soft Play in Coldstream, where he was able to see first-hand the impact that fast, reliable broadband has had in transforming the Borders-based start-up business.

During the visit, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland and MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk met with the GoFibre team alongside Laughing Ducks business owners, Anna and Jon Standing, to hear how full fibre connectivity – considered the best type available – is helping to close the digital divide in underserved areas.

With local residents of the Borders now able to benefit from world-class digital connectivity courtesy of GoFibre, including Coldstream, St Boswells, Kelso and soon to be connected, Melrose, the technology is enabling businesses to reach their economic potential and aiding rural communities to thrive.

Full fibre networks are known for removing the disruption that ageing copper networks bring when it comes to reliability and speed. However, it is only currently available to around 41% of Scottish residents*.

Prior to signing up with GoFibre, Laughing Ducks relied on a copper connection – a connection that was so poor they were unable to complete the day-to-day tasks necessary to run the business. With their new full fibre broadband service, the business has been able to book in and attract new customers while serving its current customers more effectively.

GoFibre is committed to tackling the digital divide across Scotland and the north of England. Once in place, the network offers speeds of up to 10Gbps, transforming the ability for Borders residents and businesses to work effectively, operate multiple devices simultaneously with no lag and download complete box sets and large files in seconds.

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said: “Fast and reliable broadband is vital to households, businesses and the public services we rely on every day. That’s why the UK Government is investing £5 billion through our transformative Project Gigabit programme, improving connectivity for harder-to-reach rural communities across Scotland and the UK.

“We have also upgraded thousands of schools, libraries and hospitals across the UK to first class broadband fit for the future.

“I’m delighted to see the effects of better connectivity here in Coldstream. It’s very encouraging to see operators such as GoFibre deploying solutions that will play a vital role in levelling up rural communities, helping to create and sustain jobs and to build resilient and thriving futures.”

Neil Conaghan, Chief Executive Officer at GoFibre, added: “It was great to welcome John to one of our customer sites and have him see first-hand the real difference that exceptional connectivity can make to rural areas in particular.

“Sub-standard digital connectivity across Scotland’s towns and villages, including the Borders, where we grew up, has long been an issue, limiting our collective potential. With our full fibre network expanding across Scotland and the north of England, we are continuing to do all that we can to be part of the solution. As a result, we are helping to bridge the digital divide, alongside equipping residents and businesses with the tools they need to succeed and innovate, both now and in the future.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and support while we connect them to the benefits of full fibre.”

John Lamont’s visit follows the announcement of GoFibre’s sponsorship of the iconic Melrose Sevens as an official platinum communications partner. Designing the sponsorship to support grassroots rugby in the region, with the launch of a pre-qualification tournament, the winners will earn a spot in the Melrose Sevens 2024 tournament as well as a £1,000 prize fund, courtesy of GoFibre.

Households and businesses can register their interest in GoFibre’s full fibre broadband services by visiting  www.gofibre.co.uk/register.

*Record rollout of faster internet connections – Ofcom