A remote community in the Western Isles is the first in Scotland to test increased broadband speeds over long phone lines.
Initial results from around 20 homes in North Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis have seen “significant increases” in fibre broadband speeds and could lead to a roll-out in rural areas across the country.
The BT Openreach programme, Long Reach VDSL, operates at higher power levels and makes use of a wider range of frequencies to increase broadband speeds which can reduce over long phone lines.
North Tolsta was chosen due to its remoteness and the fact its fibre cabinet supports a cluster of long lines, Openreach said.
The UK Government wants all premises to receive a minimum of 10mb/s broadband speeds regardless of how remote they are.
Openreach chief executive Clive Selley said: “Getting faster speeds to rural communities is one of my biggest priorities, so testing new solutions in the field like this is a crucial part of that process.
“I’m pleased that North Tolsta is the first Long Reach VDSL test site in Scotland, and the early results are very positive.
“This trial will provide engineers with more information on how the new technology works in one of the UK’s remotest locations.”
Brendan Dick, BT Scotland director, said: “I hope people in North Tolsta will be first to benefit as they help us find an answer to the challenge of delivering faster fibre broadband over longer lines.
“We’re working hard to develop technology to help us fill the remaining gaps in the UK’s high-speed broadband jigsaw.
“This is a significant part of the puzzle, and if successful, North Tolsta could have another reason to be popular with surfers.”