News release

Urban connections surf in for broadband users

Better connections are coming to a computer screen near you.

Across many of Scotland's communities internet users encounter problems accessing broadband due to their homes being located far away from their serving telephone exchange.

However, there is good news for those people living in clusters in and around Westfield, Seafield and Mid Calder, and other locations scattered across West Lothian, who registered with the Scottish Government's programme, Broadband for Scotland.

The closing date to register with the programme ended in January and it is hoped that the 3500 people who registered across Scotland will have broadband access by the end of the year.

Executive councillor for development and transport, Martyn Day, said: "A small number of residences - both private and commercial - are still unable to receive broadband services due to the physical distance from their serving telephone exchange being too great. The problem is generally a problem in rural areas but suburban and urban areas can also be affected.

"Not being able to access broadband can be frustrating and in this day in age it is necessary for both personal and work related reasons.

"Those who registered with the programme and those who have genuine problems accessing broadband due to their location will benefit greatly."

Date: 11-04-2008