Broadband boon comes to the borders

A deal has been struck between the South of Scotland Broadband Pathfinder Project and ISP Thus to install high-speed broadband in the region.

The £32m deal will see the creation of a network that will provide access to 410 locations across the Dumfries, Galloway and Scottish Border regions. These include 201 schools as well as libraries and council offices.

Broadband access is seen by Pathfinder as vital in improving education options as well helping to modernise the public services offered.

Derek Shaw, project manager for the Pathfinder South Broadband Project told silicon.com the remote areas at the "extreme end of the digital divide" would benefit hugely.

With the possibility of virtual classes, school children will have access to a wider range of subjects, while young adults should benefit from the improved communications which may tempt them to stay in the rural areas once they have completed their education.

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The Pathfinder project was set up by the Scottish government in 2004 to promote the provision of broadband in southern Scotland via local-authority partnerships to modernise public service and education provision.

Education Minister Peter Peacock said the Scottish executive recognised that in parts of Scotland the private market was "unlikely to produce the infrastructure needed for modern-day life" as "costs to create the infrastructure were high and returns low because of the small population".

He added that the network was "a major step forward for Scottish education and public services".

The rollout of the network is due for completion in 2008.