The fibre optic broadband roll-out across Scotland is set to expand coverage, with BT increasing the number of locations it will bring connectivity to by more than 39,400 across the country.

New homes covered by the superfast broadband roll-out will include an extra 35,000 locations in Edinburgh, 2,000 across Livingston, Mid Calder and Whitburn and 2,400 spread across Dumfiers, Stranraer, Cockenzie, Prestonpans and Tranent.

The upgrade across the country will provide customers with broadband speeds of up to 80Mbps, with direct fibre into premises providing speeds of up to 330Mbps.

The new premises covered by BT’s fibre optic roll-out are expected to have access to the service by Spring 2014.

Brendan Dick, director of BT Scotland, said: "Fast, sophisticated communications are the cornerstone of a successful community, helping local people to build their skills and knowledge and encouraging the creation of new businesses and jobs. This exciting technology will transform on-line education, training and leisure for households and enhance the competitiveness of local firms."

BT secures a further two superfast broadband projects