OVER 20,000 residents and businesses across towns and villages in Fife can now access transformative full fibre broadband following the expansion of GoFibre’s network in the region.
Following nine months of network build, for the first time, more than 7,000 homes and businesses across rural communities west of Dunfermline are able to have a choice of networks and benefit from world-class digital connectivity. Forming part of GoFibre’s commitment to help close the digital divide in rural areas, locations benefitting from the rollout include Crossford, Cairneyhill, and Torryburn.
In a series of network build updates for Fife, GoFibre has also announced that around 2,500 homes and businesses in the areas of Newport-on-Tay and Tayport will finally be able to sign up for the Scottish independent broadband provider’s network, in a much-anticipated welcome from communities after construction work on the Tay Bridge held up progress for a lot of 2023. And, for those homes in the Falkland area, over 500 premises can access GoFibre’s network, with build continuing until autumn of this year, with an additional 500 premises added by then.
Lightning-fast and fit for the future, gigabit-capable broadband networks allow communities to upload and download data with none of the disruptions associated with ageing copper networks. More than 52 per cent of the UK can access gigabit connections – such as full fibre – but these are most common in urban areas.
GoFibre is, therefore, continuing to bridge this divide, providing world-class digital connectivity and choice to rural and harder-to-reach locations. Once in place, the expanded network will enable local residents and businesses to access up to 10Gbps speeds, significantly enhancing their ability to utilise multiple devices without lag and quickly download large files in mere seconds.
GoFibre’s network expansion in Fife began in summer 2022, when construction got underway in Cardenden and Burntisland. Since then, the network has continued to grow across the region into Aberdour, Ballingry, Cupar, and Kinghorn. When this phase is completed more than 30,000 residents and businesses in total will be able to enjoy enhanced connectivity and network reliability across Fife.
In addition to expanding its network presence in Fife, GoFibre has also supported two local Fife charities as part of the first phase of its GoFurther Fund. Heids & Herts Scotland, a charity established to foster social connection in Fife, secured £2,600 in additional funding from GoFibre. This will allow them to support arts and crafts projects in the community, working with children and young people aged 5-16 years and their families in particular.
Tartan Talkers is another Fife-based charity to benefit from the GoFurther Fund. Tartan Talkers extends a lifeline to vulnerable people suffering from isolation and desperation. Since launching in 2022, the charity has provided support to over 300 people in Fife and the surrounding area, offering vital local information and support to those contemplating self-harm. They were awarded £3,000 of funding which will help cover operational costs, including rent and utilities, ensuring that the charity can continue its vital work.
Neil Conaghan, Chief Executive Officer, GoFibre, said: “We have been constructing our network in Fife since summer 2022 and have been getting to know the community, whether that’s been through engagements with customers or through our GoFurther Fund community initiative.
“We’re dedicated to connecting as many premises as we can and continuing to support the area. Today’s milestone in our network build, sees even more homes and businesses being opened up to the benefits of our full fibre connection and there’s plenty more opportunity to come.”
Residents and businesses can buy now or register for updates in the area by visiting gofibre.co.uk/register.
