Openreach has started work on a new ultrafast broadband network for three areas in West Dunbartonshire.

This will provide homes and businesses in Dumbarton, Alexandria, and Balloch with some of the fastest and most reliable broadband in Europe.

The Full Fibre broadband upgrades will allow thousands of people to connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds and help businesses trade online.

Engineers have started work in the area and the build is expected to reach the majority of local homes and businesses.

The fibre technology will provide more reliable, resilient, and future-proof connectivity, with fewer faults and more consistent speeds.

Engineers have started work in the area (Image: Openreach) Robert Thorburn, partnership director at Openreach, said: “We’re bringing ultrafast broadband to Dumbarton, Alexandria and Balloch and letting local people know what to expect.

“This is a major infrastructure upgrade, so there will be more engineering teams, equipment and vans around town, and we're working hard to keep disruption to a minimum.

"This is part of our balanced build across Scotland.

"We want to make sure that progress is evenly spread and that people in all parts of the country can be online effortlessly and build opportunities in their community.

"Connecting everyone in Scotland to our fastest and most reliable broadband would result in a multi-billion pound economic boost."

Openreach’s new ultrafast Full Fibre network in Scotland now reaches more than 1.3 million properties.

The company plans to roll out the new technology to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026, with an ambition to reach up to 30 million by the end of the decade.

Morrison Telecom Services (MTS) is helping to deliver the rollout.