The Borders can become the best-connected rural area in the UK for broadband, it has been claimed.

Jeremy Purvis, MSP for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale, has called on the local council to work with internet service providers and other stakeholders to provide high-levels of connectivity in the region by 2020.

He told the Southern Reporter that faster broadband is essential for the Borders if the region's economy is to grow in the future.

"All local agencies should sign up to a commitment to seek for the Borders to be the most connected rural region in Scotland by 2015, and the UK by 2020," Mr Purvis said.

"This is of critical importance to our region's economy, tourism and education."

However, with the government recently delaying its nationwide high-speed broadband plans by a further three years to 2012, it remains to be seen whether sufficient funding can be secured.

BT is currently investing up to £2.5 billion upgrading local telephone exchanges across the UK.

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