Following four months of network build, another 1,500 homes and businesses in Forfar can now receive digital connectivity. GoFibre, which employs installers and other team members in the local area is aiming to connect 7,000 homes by the time build is completed in the autumn.
Forming part of GoFibre's commitment to close the digital divide in rural areas, residents of Forfar will join the 8,500 homes and businesses in the areas of Kirriemuir and Montrose that are already able to sign up and immediately connect to the Scottish independent broadband provider’s network.
GoFibre is continuing to bridge the digital divide with connectivity and choice in rural and harder to reach locations. Once in place, the expanded network will enable local residents and businesses to access up to 10Gbps speeds, significantly enhancing their ability to utilise multiple devices without lag and quickly download large files in seconds.
GoFibre's network expansion in Angus began in August 2023 when construction started in Montrose. When this phase is completed, more than 15,500 households and businesses will be able to receive enhanced connectivity and network reliability.
In addition to expanding its network presence in Angus, the second round of funding for GoFibre's GoFurther Fund has just closed, with local charities and community groups in Angus and Aberdeenshire invited to apply for this year's funding round. With individual grants of up to £3,000 available to local groups, the successful recipients will be announced later this year.
Last year, five winners from across Fife, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders were supported by GoFibre in the first round of funding, each offering fundamental services to those they serve within their communities including education and employability services for young people and the disabled community, social sessions that help tackle loneliness and isolation and after-school support and activities designed to empower young people from all backgrounds.
Neil Conaghan, chief executive officer, GoFibre, said, "GoFibre is working hard to immerse ourselves in the local community here in Forfar and we’re totally committed to providing high quality, fast full fibre broadband and great customer service. Whilst building our network in Angus, our local teams have been talking to customers directly, listening to what they have to say. We're also currently choosing the Angus-based projects that we will be supporting as part of the second round of our GoFurther Fund community initiative.
"We are committed to including as many premises in our broadband network as possible while sustaining our support for the region. Achieving this milestone in our network's expansion means that even more homes and businesses will gain access to the advantages of our full fibre connection, with plenty of further opportunities on the horizon."