GoFibre Expands Full Fibre Network Across Scottish Borders

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A large-scale broadband rollout is underway in the Scottish Borders, with GoFibre beginning the installation of full fibre internet for thousands of rural homes and businesses.

The independent provider, based in Duns, has been selected to deliver high-speed broadband to around 11,000 properties across the Scottish Borders and East Lothian. The work is part of Project Gigabit, a UK Government-backed initiative aimed at improving connectivity in remote areas that have been left out of commercial broadband expansion.

GoFibre has confirmed it will go beyond the initial contract by connecting an additional 2,000 hard-to-reach premises at no added cost to the taxpayer. This increases the total expected rollout to approximately 13,000 locations.

Initial build activity is set to begin in Innerleithen, Ayton, Chirnside and parts of Eyemouth, with the first homes and businesses due to be connected later this year. The rollout will expand further over time to include Galashiels, Jedburgh, Lauder, Coldingham, St Abbs and Oxton.

“We’re excited to announce the first communities we’ll be connecting through Project Gigabit. If you live in Eyemouth, Innerleithen, Coldingham or Ayton, now’s the time to visit the GoFibre website and register your interest.
GoFibre was born in the Borders, and we are proud to offer even more residents across the region the ability to enjoy seamless full fibre connectivity.”

The company already operates a commercial broadband network reaching more than 25,000 premises across the Borders, including areas such as Melrose, Hawick, Kelso, Selkirk and Duns. This continued expansion, both publicly and commercially funded, is designed to meet growing demand for reliable, high-capacity internet services.

Full fibre broadband allows users to work remotely, stream, and download large files simultaneously without interruption – a significant upgrade over outdated copper connections still common in many rural parts of Scotland.

Beyond infrastructure, GoFibre remains active in the local community. The company supports several grassroots initiatives, including sponsorship of the Melrose 7s and the Borders Girls’ Rugby club. In recognition of its contributions, GoFibre was recently Highly Commended at the 2024 Borders Business Excellence Awards and now holds a seat on the Board of the Borders Chamber of Commerce.

Although the Scottish Government is assisting with rollout logistics, the funding and leadership behind Project Gigabit come from the UK Government. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to address long-standing gaps in digital infrastructure across the UK, particularly in areas where private providers have historically overlooked rural investment opportunities.

Richard Lochhead, the Scottish Government’s Business and Employment Minister, said in a recent statement:

“Fast, reliable broadband is a fundamental building block for economic growth and a vital part of everyday life.”

With the rollout now underway, thousands of households and businesses in the Borders stand to benefit from faster, more reliable connectivity, offering tangible improvements to everyday life and local economic resilience.