Firms urged to claim £3,000 broadband vouchers

More than 2,000 small firms in Scotland have claimed grants to help install superfast broadband connections, but the UK government has urged others to apply before funding dries up.

More than 2,000 broadband vouchers have been issued in Scotland. Picture: PA

The government has made £40 million available for the scheme in 2015-16, and the connection vouchers are worth up to £3,000 each.

With applications running at more than 1,000 a week, digital economy minister Ed Vaizey said eligible firms should stake their claim before the funds are exhausted.

He said: “More than 40,000 businesses – including more than 2,000 in Scotland – have already taken up our offer, which is aimed at boosting both their broadband speeds as well as their bottom line.

“Businesses need to act now to ensure they don’t miss out on this fantastic offer and I’m urging all eligible businesses to apply now before it’s too late.”

Figures released today by the government show that 961 vouchers have been issued so far in Edinburgh, with 583 handed out in Glasgow. In Aberdeen, 276 firms have successfully claimed the grants, while in Perth the figure is 90.

Dundee, Inverness and Stirling joined the scheme in April. In those cities, take-up stands at 45, 43 and 89 respectively.