High–speed service is on the horizon

More than a million Scottish homes and businesses will have access to a high-speed broadband network by the end of next year, according to BT.

The communications giant revealed a further 147,000 premises in 35 communities around the country would be able to access its new fibre-optic broadband service in 2013.

Communities from the Borders and the Lothians to Argyll and Bute and the Highlands are set to be included in the firm’s upgrade plans.

BT Scotland director Brendan Dick said about half the households north of the Border would be able to connect to the network by the end of next year.

He said: “Digital technology is fundamental to how we live and work – and in an increasingly connected world, high-speed communications will become even more essential.”