New super-fast broadband lines for Scotland

A number of businesses will be able to take advantage of VoIP services thanks to plans by BT to extend its super-fast broadband network.

The internet service provider (ISPs) has announced its intention to deliver high-speed connections to 33,000 more homes and businesses across the country as part of a £2.5 billion project.

Exchanges will be updated in six areas by Autumn 2011, including Dunblane; Dundee Park; Fountainbridge, Newington and Waverly in Edinburgh; and Mid Calder in West Lothian.

The upgrades are being completed by BT Openreach, allowing local ISPs to provide services using BT's infrastructure on a wholesale basis.

The fibre-to-street cabinets will allow download speeds of 40Mbps and uploads of 10Mbps, figures that could increase to 60Mpbs and 15Mbps in the future.

Brendan Dick, BT Scotland director, said: "This latest investment in super-fast broadband is great news for many Scottish homes and businesses.

"Fibre broadband has the power to revolutionise the way we use the internet. It has huge implications for the way we live, learn and do business."

BT has also announced plans to upgrade exchanges across England, with fibre-to-the-cabinet due to be installed in Merseyside, Leicestershire, Surrey and Kent, among other areas.