Scottish Government offers rates relief for firms installing fibre broadband infrastructure

Internet companies will be given 100 per cent rates relief on new fibre broadband infrastructure by the Scottish Government under plans announced by Connectivity Minister Paul Wheelhouse.

The rates relief, which comes into effect for businesses investing in new infrastructure from 1 April and will last for ten years, is part of an effort to encourage firms to install in Scotland.

Speaking during a visit to a CityFibre excavation in Stirling, Wheelhouse said connectivity was a critical part of “creating digitally-enabled growth in our economy”.

He said: “We have been listening to industry on what will help them play their part in delivering our ambitions and are determined that Scotland continues to be at the forefront of the digital revolution.”

He added: “Full fibre investment projects like CityFibre’s in Stirling complement the Scottish Government’s target of ensuring access to a minimum of superfast broadband for each and every premises in Scotland.

“Despite telecoms being a reserved matter, we will build on the success of the £400 million Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme, investing a further £600 million to ensure Scotland is at the forefront of digital connectivity through our Reaching 100% or R100 programme.  I hope that businesses will take advantage of this relief, increasing their investment in Scotland whilst contributing to inclusive growth in Scotland’s economy.”