Broadband rollout questioned

SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott has called for Shetland to be prioritised in the latest roll out of “superfast” broadband across rural Scotland.

This week the Scottish government announced a new tranche of £18 million to extend the existing Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme.

The government and telecoms giant BT say by the end of next 85 per cent of Scotland will be connected, rising to 95 per cent the following year.

However with two thirds of Shetland unable to access high speeds, it is not clear how much the isles will benefit from this latest funding injection.

Scottish deputy first minister John Swinney said the government and BT were also finding out which areas would not be reached by the roll out, where people may have to look at alternatives to improving their connectivity.

“This will allow these communities to work with Community Broadband Scotland to explore alternative solutions in parallel with DSSB roll-out,” Swinney said.

In response, Tavish Scott said: “Any new money for superfast broadband must be targeted at those areas where the service hardly exists.

“There are a number of areas across Shetland such as the northern isles where there is no date yet from the Scottish government for any investment.

“People will expect an immediate indication of which areas will now see an upgrade to their service and that would be very welcome.”

Meanwhile the Scottish government has announced a £1.5 million investment in wi-fi connections in Scotland’s public libraries.