1-08-03

Barrett welcomes Ratho and Kirkliston broadband campaign success

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today welcomed British Telecom's announcement that a local telephone exchange is to be upgraded to provide broadband services to the Kirkliston, Newbridge and Ratho areas of his constituency.

Broadband is a high speed internet connection that allows households and businesses to access services on the internet up to 10 times quicker.  British Telecom had set a trigger level of 300 interested parties before they would consider making terrestrial broadband available through their local exchange. 

Following a concerted campaign by local people, 85% of the trigger level was met but following a renewed push which included Mr Barrett writing to many households throughout this week, the gap has now been bridged. 

BT has announced that broadband will be available from 12th November.  It follows similar successful campaigns in South Queensferry and Davidson's Mains.

In a statement, John Barrett MP said:

"This is very welcome news and comes after a great deal of hard work by many local residents, businesses and organisations.  I know it will be particularly appreciated as much of the area is not served by Telewest and thus can't get broadband by way of a cable operator.

"Many local businesses had contacted me, keen to be able to make use of the benefits of broadband such as more effective communication with their customers, partners and suppliers.  Those which advertise on the internet will also benefit.

"However, there are still two other exchanges in my constituency which don't provide broadband.  Hopefully, the success of this campaign in Kirkliston and Ratho can now be replicated in the Maybury and Corstorphine so that all areas of West Edinburgh can access and benefit from broadband."

ENDS