BT broadband rollout tipped to create thousands of Scottish jobs

BT's investment in fibre optic broadband is set to create thousands of jobs in Scotland over the next 15 years, according to Regeneris Consulting.

The telecoms giant is rolling out 50,000km of fibre optic cable across the UK over the next two years as it aims to deliver super-fast broadband to two-thirds of homes and businesses by the end of 2014.

Regeneris claimed next-generation broadband results in the creation of around 430 jobs in the average city and 225 in the typical UK town, while the improved speeds are expected to result in a surge in remote and home working.

At present, BT's fibre broadband service is available to more than 270,000 homes and businesses in Scotland.

Director of BT Scotland Brendan Dick said the company's super-fast broadband rollout is already well underway, but stated that it is keen to go further by having a greater impact on local economies.

"It is vital that we continue to grow and help our customers, stakeholders and employees to thrive as we work together to create a more prosperous Scotland," he added.

Last month, Regeneris predicted that BT's fibre broadband rollout will create 26,000 new jobs in London in the next 15 years.