Scottish independent broadband provider, GoFibre, has welcomed Dave Doogan, MP for Angus and Perthshire Glens, to witness the nearing completion of its full fibre broadband network in Forfar. With build in the area set to wrap up by September 2024, over 6,000 homes and businesses will soon have access to the ultra-fast speeds and reliability of GoFibre’s broadband network.
Andy Hepburn, Chief Operating Officer, GoFibre said: “We were thrilled to welcome Dave Doogan to one of our active build sites in the area, providing a great opportunity for him to see firsthand the progress we are making. We know that historically, areas like Forfar have not had access to broadband speeds that match those available in cities.
Scottish company GoFibre began construction in Forfar in late 2023, as part of the broadband firm’s mission to bridge the digital divide across rural Scotland. Recent data reveals just how critical a mission this is, with only 35%* of homes in rural Scotland having access to full-fibre broadband. GoFibre’s expansion in Forfar, alongside its expansion in Montrose and Kirriemuir, marks a significant stride in closing this gap for the Angus community.
This effort to enhance connectivity and give customers extra choice brings benefits to the region. GoFibre’s network provides the residents and businesses of Forfar the choice of a significantly faster and more reliable broadband connection. GoFibre’s entry level connection speed is more than twice that of the UK average, with the network capable of providing customer with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
In addition to improving digital connectivity, GoFibre has placed great importance on supporting rural economic development while building in the area. With a commitment to recruit local talent who live and work in the communities they are connecting, GoFibre ensures a deep-rooted understanding of each area’s unique needs, ensuring that customers remain at the heart of its business.
Mr Doogan met with local members of the GoFibre team at a site in Forfar, and was given a demonstration of how the network is constructed and how its transformative impact is being felt by both businesses and residents.
“Bringing this new level of digital connectivity to the area will help close the digital divide, and we are looking forward to seeing the benefits come to fruition. A massive thank you to the local community for their ongoing support and understanding during the build process.”
Dave Doogan, MP for Angus and Perthshire Glens, added: : “It was great to see the progress that GoFibre have made with their full fibre broadband network in Forfar. Many communities here in Angus and Perthshire Glens have been overlooked by traditional broadband companies leaving them with poor connections that are a pain for households and a real problem for local businesses trying to compete.
“The work that GoFibre are doing will provide thousands of homes and businesses with hugely improved broadband and will make a meaningful difference to so many people’s lives here locally.”
GoFibre is committed to leaving a lasting legacy in the communities it serves and has a strong focus on social impact. In July 2023, the company launched the GoFurther Fund to support charitable and community projects within the regions where it operates. The fund opened to Angus entries earlier this spring, and in July, two charities - Kirrie Connections and North East Sensory Services (NESS) - that provide critical support to communities in Angus, received funding.
