First Highlands and Islands publicly funded exchanges live by April 2014

29th July 2013

Following the news from BT that through its commercial rollout fibre broadband is now available in Inverness, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) says it expects the first exchanges of a multi million pound publicly funded next generation broadband project to go live by April 2014.

The community and economic development agency signed a contract with BT in March which, alongside the telecoms company’s commercial rollout, will bring fibre broadband services to around 84% of the region’s homes.

HIE's Digital team has been meeting with UK and Scottish politicians to provide information on the project. Details for the public are also on HIE’s website at http://www.hie.co.uk/digital

Stuart Robertson, HIE's Director of Digital Highlands and Islands, said: "HIE believes that good digital connectivity will transform the ways in which people live and work in the area, and it will provide a platform for future economic development.

"We want to see faster more reliable speeds available for all and this first phase of rollout takes a giant step by putting in place a fibre network which will bring broadband closer to our communities. Without public sector investment from HIE, the Scottish Government, Broadband Delivery UK and the private investment of BT, fewer than one in four of us could have hoped to receive commercial fibre services."

Plans for the rollout are well under way. The engineering work is being hailed as the UK's most complex broadband project ever. BT is to lay more than 800km of fibre cable on land, and 400km more via sub-sea crossings to the area’s islands.

"There are four main programmes of work to make this project happen - putting in the fibre network on land; the sub-sea cabling which is due to go in between May and October next year; the upgrade of over 250 exchanges; and the web of cables which comes from the exchanges to connect communities.

"All this won’t happen overnight, but we will see a series of phased announcements coming out from BT as they roll out the infrastructure - both for their commercial locations and for our project," said Stuart.

"We expect some information to be available from BT in the autumn on the first exchanges that will be due to go live by April."

For those interested in making the most of existing or improved broadband services for personal or business use, HIE, with a number of partner organisations, is also running a series of projects to help people get online.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

The North Sea's Changing Future: What Does It Mean for Jobs and Investment in Caithness?

The future of the North Sea energy industry is once again attracting considerable attention.  With the UK Government facing difficult decisions about oil and gas production, energy security, investment and the transition towards renewable energy.  

23/10/2026 : Marine Services

HIE funding supports new strategy role at Wick Harbour

Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) is to appoint a new strategy manager after securing up to £52,500 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help fund the post.   The post holder will help WHA deliver its emerging harbour masterplan and outline business case, strengthen capacity and develop new business opportunities.  

20/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
HIE welcomes £350m cable factory opening

The official opening of the UK’s first HVDC subsea cable factory, located at the Port of Nigg in Easter Ross, has been welcomed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   The facility represents an investment of £350m.  

17/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

When Community Ownership Isn't Enough: The Uncertain Future of GlenWyvis Distillery

The Highland distillery was built with the support of thousands of people who wanted to create something lasting for their community.  Its entry into administration exposes the financial risks facing ambitious local ventures, even when the original idea has widespread public support.  

8/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Innovation and AI: New opportunities for businesses across the Highlands and Islands

Innovation has always been a defining characteristic of businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands.   Whether developing new products, finding ways to overcome the challenges of distance and geography, improving services, or identifying new markets, organisations across the region have a long track record of adapting and evolving.  

30/9/2026 : Local Authority

Scottish Cities Alliance Investment Conference to showcase Highland opportunities

Inverness will welcome government representatives, investors, business leaders and economic development partners later this week as it hosts the Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investor Event.  A two-day programme designed to showcase investment opportunities across Inverness, the Highlands and Scotland's city regions.  

29/9/2026 : Local Authority

Are We Trying to Save Britain’s Towns Without Planning Their Future?

Walk through almost any British town centre and you can see the evidence of change.   There are empty shops where there were once businesses.  

26/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

September is Scottish Start-Up Month – could your business idea become a reality?

September has become a month when Scotland's aspiring entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take a closer look at an idea that may have been sitting in the back of their minds for some time.   Scottish Start-Up Month, led by Business Gateway, has returned for 2026 with a simple message: if you have an idea for a business, this could be the month to take the first step.  

22/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities Scotland and Ireland are developing closer links between their Gaelic-speaking communities, with housing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, tourism and the marine economy among the areas being explored for future cooperation.   The initiative was highlighted during a visit to Skye by Ireland's President Catherine Connolly, who met representatives of Highland organisations including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highland Council.