Stobo to finally get broadband update

Published 11 Dec 2009 11:39 0 Comments

WORK is under way by to improve internet access in Stobo by upgrading it's phone exchanges.

However, continually problematic sites such as Innerleithen and Cardrona have once again been overlooked by BT and the Scottish Government.

The move comes following ongoing talks between BT and the Scottish Government to identify rural areas in need of improvements - the result, BT has now started work on upgrading 71 telephone exchanges across the country.

These first upgrades will be complete by March 2010.

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "I fully recognise the frustration felt in some rural communities where people are unable to obtain a satisfactory broadband service.

"With broadband an increasingly vital tool for businesses and households, we have acted with BT to identify a way forward. Upgrading these telephone exchanges will enable even more people to benefit from a broadband service which people in most areas of Scotland already enjoy."

Businesses and homeowners in Stobo will be overjoyed to hear of their upgrade after having repeatedly suffered broadband blackouts.

Last June it took up to a fortnight before BT admitted fault and figured out the problem.

Tweeddale MP David Mundell welcomed the upgrade burt refused to get too carried away by it.

He said: "I have had a number of complaints from residents in the Stobo area, particularly over the last year, about slow broadband connection; the regular loss of connection and other problems.

"This is unsatisfactory and is particularly inconvenient to people running rural businesses and those working from home who need a fast broadband speed.

"Whilst the announcement is to be welcomed rural communities are still far behind urban areas when it comes to broadband speeds and this is something that I am campaigning for improvements on.

"I recently sent out a broadband survey and I would ask anyone who hasn't returned this to do so soon."

However while Stobo has something to celebrate, Innerleithen and Cardrona residents will be crestfallen to learn that there is, as yet, still no end to their broadband problems.

Local MSP Jeremy Purvis said: "This is good news for Stobo and I welcome the improved quality of provision there as it was desperately needed.

"However while it will be a reliable connection, they still will receive only the lowest level of broadband speed available - 1/2 a megabyte.

"Higher speed broadband should be made available; never mind the fact that there is no mention of Innerleithen or Cardrona, it would be more helpful if this was part of a wider and longer term strategy.

"I see this upgrade as basicially just a sticking plaster and will continue pushing for better broadband provision for the region."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 11 Dec 09

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