Perth will become a “super-connected city” through an ultra-fast broadband service covering the entire city centre.
That is the aim of Perth and Kinross Council, which has embarked on a number of objectives since 2012 in order to improve the area’s digital infrastructure.
A council report on broadband coverage revealed that 89% of premises across the area now have access to a two megabytes-per-second (Mbps) service.
In addition, more than 57% of local premises have access to next generation broadband, and more than half of Perthshire communities with a population of over 1,000 have full or part access to a 24 Mbps service or more.
Broadband ‘take-up’ for Perth and Kinross is said to be above average at 73.3%, with Scotland’s average sitting at 70%.
More than 90% of Perth City Centre premises now have access to an ultra-fast broadband and a number of public Wi-Fi zones have been installed.
A city-wide wireless concession model is also being developed.
Councillor John Kellas, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee, praised the efforts made by council staff.
He said: “Great progress is being made towards making Perth a super-connected city as well as improving the broadband and digital infrastructure across the area.
“This investment is a true reflection that Perth and Kinross is moving with the times.
“Although some of our communities may continue to face access issues, the council is committed to proactively work with them.”
Members of the enterprise and infrastructure committee previously agreed six aims for the area including establishing a two Mbps service to all local premises by 2017 and having 90% of premises with access to a next generation broadband service of 24 Mbps or more. They also want city centre premises to have broadband of 80 Mbps.