THOUSANDS of homes and firms in Glasgow and across the west of Scotland are to be linked to super-fast broadband.

BT is expanding its network of high-speed technology as part of an ongoing £2.5billion UK fibre broadband programme.

The telecom giant plans to make the latest technology available to 150,400 addresses across Scotland with nearly 70,000 in or around Glasgow. Ayr is to get the lion's share elsewhere in the west of Scotland.

Improvements will boost broadband services at 15,250 properties in the seaside town and 6960 properties in Troon.

Motherwell in South Lanarkshire will have 10,900 homes and businesses going super-fast along with 8880 in Paisley, Renfrewshire, 9500 in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, 4755 in Gourock, Inverclyde and 7650 in Irvine's Stanecastle area.

Another 3760 properties in Glasgow's Maryhill are to be linked up to super-fast broadband in a move that's welcomed by the city council. A spokesman said: "Super-fast broadband is vital to Glasgow's economic growth."

BT Scotland director Brendan Dick pledged speedier broadband will boost the economy and help people start their own firms.

He said: "This is a further major BT investment in and around Glasgow. In these tough economic times, this exciting technology will boost local businesses and households.

"Sophisticated communications are the lifeblood of any successful community."