LARGE parts of the Wee County could soon have full fibre broadband as providers attempt to boost the post-Covid economic recovery.

Openreach have outlined plans to make ultra-reliable and gigabit-capable full fibre broadband available to thousands of Clackmannanshire homes and businesses.

Alloa, Sauchie, Clackmannan, Menstrie and Alva are among 60 small and rural towns and villages across Scotland to be upgraded by Openreach, without taxpayer subsidy.

Work is expected to get under way in many of the announced locations within the next 12-18 months although, due to the size of the build, some places will see work continue into 2024.

There are clear economic benefits to building full fibre in more rural areas according to a report by the Centre for Economics & Business Research (Cebr) which revealed that connecting everyone in Scotland to full fibre broadband by 2025 would create a £5.5billion boost to the nation's economy.

The company is publishing an extended list of 251 locations in the final third where it will build the new network over the next three years.

The data provides more clarity on its plans – giving greater certainty to local authorities, investors and customers – and supports UK and Scottish Government strategy to accelerate commercial investments in full fibre networks throughout the UK.

To view the full list of market towns and villages included in the announcement, please visit openreach.com/fibre-broadband