HUNDREDS of thousands Glasgow homes will be able to access the fastest internet speeds in Scotland from today.

Virgin Media has switched on its Gig1 broadband service, offering gigabit speeds 22 times faster than the local average.

It comes as a majority of Glasgow residents revealed they need faster broadband to boost productivity while working from home.

Jeff Dodds, chief operating officer at Virgin Media, said: “Whether people are working from home, learning online, video calling friends and family or binging on a box set in 4K, with hyperfast speeds more than 22 times faster than Glasgow’s average broadband connection, Gig1 means they can do everything they want online, at the same time, without delay."

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The broadband service boasts average download speeds of 1,140Mbps, making it the fastest home broadband in the country.

Scotland’s Connectivity Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, believes better broadband will be essential as the UK recovers from the lockdown.

He said: “The value of access to digital connectivity has been highlighted by the role it has played in supporting the many jobs, services and sectors during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as home learning, and will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in plans for our strategic economic recovery from the pandemic and in stimulating wider investment to Scotland’s largest city.

Councillor Angus Millar said the increased internet speeds will help ensure "Glasgow is a leading digital city now and in the years to come.”

"With so many people and families having to spend more time online at home for work, play and leisure or keeping in contact with others, faster broadband such as this can play an important role in the city," he said.