The Highlands has won a share of a £95million UK Government pot of cash for full fibre broadband, the Chancellor has announced in the spring statement.
The Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) project will give access to gigabit-capable full fibre infrastructure in Inverness, Fort William, Wick and Thurso.
About 150 vouchers worth up to £3,000 will be given to businesses to encourage them to take up the technology.
Open access to gigabit speeds will be made available at five public sector sites – Highland Council, NHS Highland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson welcomed the boost, which she said would go a “considerable way” to improve digital connectivity and in turn support productivity, efficiency and innovation.
Cllr Davidson said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for the Highlands and I encourage small and medium enterprises to watch this space.”
