RURAL Scottish towns are leaving the world’s major cities lagging behind when it comes to broadband speeds.
When compared to average speeds available on Scottish independent broadband provider GoFibre’s network, towns with better connectivity than massive capitals include Cupar vs Copenhagen, Portlethen vs Paris, Haddington vs Helsinki and Jedburgh vs Jakarta.
In addition, in the north of England where GoFibre also builds network, the Scottish company’s speeds ensure North Northumberland trumps New York.
Citing research from the Ookla Speed Test Global Index, GoFibre has today aimed to shine a spotlight on the speeds available on its network in ten towns or regions across Scotland and the North of England.
With ultra-fast broadband now essential in our daily lives, GoFibre reckons the speeds mean that the residents of Copenhagen would swap their bikes for Cupar’s broadband while Parisians will be jealous of Portlethen’s “Oui-fi”.
In recent years, huge progress has been made to improve broadband connectivity for communities nestled outside the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s and Northern England’s big cities.
Boosting rural broadband is vital for powering the engine of local economies, opening up new markets for local businesses, making remote work a breeze, and sparking innovation and growth across the country.
However, whilst some towns are enjoying the benefits, much more needs need to be done.
The spring 2024 Connected Nations OfCom report shows that just 35% of rural Scots premises have access to a full fibre connection.
Neil Conaghan, CEO of GoFibre said: “While our new campaign is having a bit of fun with some very famous cities, it has a serious message too; it’s about empowering people and places to realise their full potential.
“Our rural areas can be better connected even than international capitals, and that’s a great thing for everyone – whether you’re running a business, working from home, studying, getting through your admin or even gaming.
“It’s time we took advantage of the speeds at our fingertips.
“We’re proud to see our cutting-edge technology help smaller towns to outpace some of the world’s leading cities, ensuring that local businesses can compete on a global stage and families can enjoy seamless online experiences.
“We encourage anyone not yet signed up to GoFibre to check if you’re eligible – we can’t promise you a cycle and canal network like Copenhagen’s, but our broadband network leaves the Scandis standing!”
GoFibre has grown from its Borders beginning to accelerate its rollout of full fibre broadband throughout Scotland and the north of England, having now connected over 120,000 premises.
In autumn 2022, the broadband provider was awarded two multi-million-pound contracts under the UK Government’s Project Gigabit for Durham-Teesdale and North Northumberland.
Project Gigabit is the UK Government’s programme enabling hard-to-reach communities to access gigabit-capable broadband.
