PRESS RELEASE

Moore Welcomes Broadband Upgrade Work

Michael Moore MP

15-Dec-2009

Borders MP Michael Moore has welcomed news that a number of Borders towns will see improvements in their broadband internet service after work to improve 71 phone exchanges across Scotland began last week.

Sites in Ayrshire, the Highlands and Islands, Lothian and Shetland are amongst the areas that will benefit from the upgrade work being carried out by BT. In the Borders, Abbey St Bathans, Grantshouse, Borthwickbrae and Stobo will profit from the new services.

Mr Moore has been campaigning for the new generation of broadband to be rolled out first in rural areas and met with the Communications and Technology Minister before the publication of this year’s ‘Digital Britain’ report. Over the past year, he has urged the Government to take action on a range of digital issues affecting the Borders and secured a commitment from the Secretary of State to look into the concerns of his constituents during a debate in the House of Commons.

Commenting, Mr Moore said:

Broadband and other digital services are playing an increasingly important role in our day-to-day lives, both at home and at work. It is vital that people in rural areas are not at the back of the queue again and are allowed to benefit from the spread of this new technology at the same time as the cities.

Though this week’s announcement is to be welcomed, the fact that in some instances work will not be completed before the end of 2010 is of great concern. These improvements will make a real difference to the lives of many people in the Borders and the Government must work with BT to ensure that the programme of works is taken forward as soon as possible.

We should also not let this good news distract attention from other shortcomings in digital services across the south of Scotland. Despite this new investment, access to internet services remains an issue on many areas of the Borders and action to rectify longstanding problems such as poor mobile phone network coverage is required as a matter of urgency.

ENDS

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