GoFibre FTTP Broadband Network Covers 50,000 Borders Premises UPDATE

Independent UK rural broadband ISP GoFibre (BorderLink), which is deploying a new gigabit speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network across the North of England and Scottish Borders, has announced that their network footprint now covers 50,000 premises, and they’ve launched a new £50,000 fund to support charitable and community projects.

Unveiled in celebration of their network now “being accessible to 50,000 premises across Scotland’s towns and villages” (up from 35k in late May 2023), the GoFurther Fund was officially launched today at the Border Union Show in Kelso. The fund is being targeted at the East Lothian, Fife, and Scottish Borders areas.

According to the announcement, a grant of up to £3,000 will be made available for each recipient and is aimed at helping to tackle the digital divide across Scotland, primarily by supporting vital projects and groups in their efforts to transform local lives.

In that sense, eligible projects will include those that are supporting the creation of work experience opportunities, developing skills and the local economy, promoting good health and wellbeing or actively tackling climate change and contributing to net zero targets.

Sam Calvert, Chief Revenue Officer at GoFibre, said:

“As we continue to connect homes and businesses to our full fibre broadband network, it’s important for us to make meaningful connections with projects and organisations who work hard to transform local lives.

We’ve spent the last year getting to know communities in East Lothian, Fife, and the Scottish Borders, and after seeing how many passionate local organisations are in need of additional support, we are keen to do our bit and provide these communities with funding to help them thrive.

We’re incredibly proud to be launching the GoFurther Fund and look forward to seeing how it will make a difference to grassroots communities.”

The usual caveats apply here, as we’re currently unsure whether all of that 50,000 could be considered Ready for Service (RFS). GoFibre states that, once the next phase of expansion is complete, their network will reach almost 120,000 premises in early 2024.

GoFibre’s Current Coverage and Planned Coverage

Connections are live in (parts of):

Scottish Borders – Kelso, St Boswells, Coldstream, Galashiels, Melrose
Aberdeenshire – Portlethen, Newtonhill, Stonehaven
East Lothian – North Berwick, Dunbar, Haddington, Prestonpans
Fife – Cupar, Cardenden, Burntisland

The provider is currently building its network in:

Angus – Montrose
Fife – Newport-on-Tay, Tayport
Teesdale – Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, Gainford, West Auckland
North Northumberland – Berwick-upon-Tweed, Seahouses, Wooler, Belford

UPDATE 3:56pm

GoFibre says the 50,000 figure is all Ready for Service.