RSS Press releases

During the Covid-19 pandemic we are recognising that now, more than ever, how much we have come to rely on good digital connectivity.

From keeping in touch with friends and family to ordering online, we all need reliable connections, particularly in our rural area of Dumfries and Galloway.

Home schooling and digital education has become the necessary normal over the past few months Dumfries and Galloway Council are keen to improve on provision for this across our region.

We are very pleased to hear that we have been awarded a grant of £1.36M under the Rural Gigabit Connectivity (RGC) Programme to enable faster broadband connections in our rural primary schools. The programme identifies public sector buildings which meet the criteria to receive gigabit-capable connectivity.

The project will be delivered in partnership with our area network suppliers, Capita and Openreach and will enable 35 rural primary schools across D&G to connect to a fast, stable internet connection, essential to provide our young people with the best learning opportunities. This will make a dramatic difference to both staff and pupils by providing improved learning opportunities, with both being able to access online training and learning.

This provision will enable us to roll out distance learning across our school estate, allowing learners to access learning and teaching resources without the need to be transported across the region to access these resources. This will be delivered in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway college.

A rural voucher is offered as part of the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme to encourage greater take-up of gigabit-capable connectivity to residents and businesses in rural areas, this will be promoted in parallel with the availability of the upgraded infrastructure. https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/

Chair of Economy and Resources Committee, Rob Davidson said: “We are committed to ensuring that our region is vibrant and successful and digital connectivity is vital for our economy and social inclusion. We welcome this funding which will benefit our rural schools from Ae to Twynholm, Springfield to Portpatrick, and many others in between. Access to superfast broadband will open up new opportunities for education, leisure and delivering the services our people need.”

Vice Chair, Archie Dryburgh said: “Digital connectivity is critical to our region and this funding will help with our wider plans for the future. It’s not only schools who will benefit as premises in the surrounding area should also be able to benefit from the enhanced connectivity. This will encourage businesses to areas and have the knock-on effect of boosting our economy.”