The Scottish Government aims to ensure that fast, next‑generation broadband is available to everyone across Scotland. In East Ayrshire, this is being delivered either by commercial broadband providers or through the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme.
Low-cost broadband options
Some broadband companies offer cheaper deals for people who receive certain welfare benefits. The Council cannot recommend a specific company or give advice about their offers.
Some landline and broadband packages may cost less than £10 a month, which is about £2.50 a week. To check if you can get a low‑cost deal, contact your current broadband provider or search online for low‑cost broadband.
Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband
The Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme was launched by the Scottish Government in 2013. It was set up to improve broadband access in areas where private companies could not provide it on a commercial basis.
Without DSSB, only around 66% of homes and businesses in Scotland, and 61% in East Ayrshire, would have had access to fibre broadband by 2018.
By March 2018, after the first phase of the programme was completed:
- 97.4% of homes and businesses in East Ayrshire could access superfast broadband (speeds over 24 Mbps)
- 95% across Scotland could get the same service
More funding was added after 2018, and all planned work under the DSSB programme was expected to be completed in 2020.
Properties not included in the DSSB programme will have access to a basic broadband service, with minimum speeds of 2 Mbps on completion of the project. Information on how this could be provided is available on the DSSB website.
Reaching 100% (R100) programme
The Scottish Government has committed to making sure every part of Scotland can access fibre broadband.
The Reaching 100% (R100) programme is the next step after DSSB. R100 aims to bring faster fibre broadband with at least 30 Mbps to properties not covered by DSSB.
The process to appoint suppliers began in December 2017, with contracts expected to be announced in late 2019.
Where and when for your area
You can check when Next Generation Broadband will be available in your area by using the DSSB's Interactive Map.