A new report has revealed the stark divide in access to superfast broadband across Stirling’s urban and rural areas.
The latest data released by Ofcom shows that almost half of properties in the region have access to so-called ‘gigabit capable’ broadband through a full fibre network.
However, while two-thirds of urban properties are able to access one gigabit internet speeds, only nine per cent of rural sites are connected up so far according to the regulator’s report.
Overall, just under 90 per cent of Stirling properties were able to secure a broadband connection of at least 30 megabits per second - with more than 41,000 people now enjoying speeds at that level.
On the other side of the scale, the Ofcom report does show the work that still remains to be done in bringing more locals into the internet fast lane, with 19 per cent of rural properties still being measured as receiving less than 10Mbps download speed.
The Ofcom report also reveals the extent of mobile coverage across the area, with the rural and urban split once again being seen in the numbers receiving 4G signal.
It reports that while 100 per cent of urban properties in Stirling have access to 4G, that is only true just over three-quarters of rural settings - 77 per cent.
Stirling MP Alyn Smith says the report shows the progress being made locally in getting more properties and businesses connected to the best speeds possible.
Mr Smith said: “There’s a lot of good news in this report from Ofcom. What stands out for me is that we now have 90 per cent of properties in the Stirling area able to get superfast broadband.
“This simply wasn’t the case just a few short years ago, and it’s thanks to Scottish Government intervention in the rollout of broadband that we’ve managed to get here.
“What is also striking is the number of people who can now access full fibre, gigabit speeds. This is largely thanks to the investment and work of CityFibre, which has been an absolute gamechanger in the Stirling city area.
“However, these figures also demonstrate the work still to be done to connect properties in rural areas. Download speeds of less than 10Mbps is not enough for a modern home or business. It certainly wouldn’t properly support working from home during a pandemic.
