Gigabit broadband boost for region

AROUND 12,500 homes and businesses in Dumfries and Galloway are set to benefit from a major investment in gigabit-capable broadband, following the announcement of an additional £18 million through the UK Government’s Project Gigabit programme. The funding will see premises in the region added to an existing Project Gigabit contract, which is being co-managed by the Scottish Government and delivered by Openreach. The investment is targeted at some of the region’s hardest-to-reach communities that are not included in commercial broadband rollout plans. This latest announcement builds on significant progress already made through the Scottish Government’s £600 million Reaching 100 per cent (R100) programme, which has delivered around 8000 gigabit-capable connections across Dumfries and Galloway to date. The expanded Project Gigabit contract – where build activity started in autumn 2025 – will now deliver gigabit-capable broadband to more than 77,000 premises across Scotland. Cllr John Campbell, chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Enabling and Customer Services Committee, said: “While this programme is being led and delivered at a national level, the council plays an important supporting role locally – working with partners, communities and delivery organisations to help facilitate rollout and ensure local areas are well placed to benefit from improved connectivity." Cllr Ben Dashper, Vice-Chair, added: “Reliable, high-speed broadband is now essential for everyday life, whether people are working from home, running a business, accessing services or staying connected with family and friends. “This additional investment is very welcome and will help ensure more households and businesses right across Dumfries and Galloway can benefit from fast, reliable digital connectivity, particularly in more rural and hard-to-reach areas.”