AN INDEPENDENT Scots broadband provider has expanded its network to 50,000 premises across Scotland’s towns and villages.
In celebration of this milestone, GoFibre has launched a new £50,000 fund to support charitable and community projects across three of its build regions in Scotland.
The GoFurther Fund was officially launched on 28 July at the Border Union Show in Kelso.
The Fund will allow GoFibre to support vital projects and groups in their efforts to transform local lives in East Lothian, Fife, and the Scottish Borders, and tackle the ‘digital divide’ in Scotland.
With up to £3,000 available for each recipient, the fund will provide grants to those who meet the relevant criteria, including supporting the creation of new opportunities.
These opportunities are include education and upskilling for local people, particularly in relation to digital skills, as well as the creation of new jobs for local economic development.
The Fund will also help to promote good health, and tackle climate change by contributing to net zero targets and carbon reduction in the relevant areas.
Sam Calvert, Chief Revenue Officer at GoFibre said: “As we continue to connect homes and businesses to our full fibre broadband network, it’s important for us to make meaningful connections with projects and organisations who work hard to transform local lives.
“We’ve spent the last year getting to know communities in East Lothian, Fife, and the Scottish Borders, and after seeing how many passionate local organisations are in need of additional support, we are keen to do our bit and provide these communities with funding to help them thrive.
“We’re incredibly proud to be launching the GoFurther Fund and look forward to seeing how it will make a difference to grassroots communities.”
Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead said of the milestone: “I welcome the extension of the full fibre broadband network to 50,000 homes and businesses across the country by a signatory to Scotland’s Full Fibre Charter.
“GoFibre is bringing high-quality digital connectivity to premises in rural communities; enabling people to work or study from home when they need to and stay connected to friends and family.”
In July, GoFibre has given 50,000 premises across Scotland and the North of England access to its full fibre broadband, and once the next phase of expansion is complete in early 2024, GoFibre’s network will reach almost 120,000 premises.
