7-10-03

Corstorphine set for broadband upgrade – Barrett

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today welcomed the news that the Corstorphine area of his constituency is set to receive terrestrial broadband.

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. 

Corstorphine was the only telephone exchange left in Mr Barrett's Edinburgh West constituency that was not broadband enabled.  However, after a concerted campaign by local people and organisations, the 300 level has now been reached.  BT have now promised to make broadband available from 10th December with residents and businesses across Corstorphine and the Gyle set to benefit.

In a statement, John Barrett said:

"Many residents in Davidson's Mains and Queensferry, where broadband has been available for some time have told me how useful it is.  Now, after a long campaign, communities in my constituency like Carrick Knowe, Broomhall and the Gyle will finally be able to benefit from quicker access to the internet as well.

"I would like to thank the hundreds of local people who helped my campaign to bring broadband to Corstorphine.  The news finally means that from 10th December, all of my constituency will have access to broadband facilities. "

ENDS