Friday 29 March 2024
 7.3°C   SE Light Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Election / Lib Dems say broadband provision is a ‘scandal’

The Mesomorphic team with (L-R) Jo Swinson, Beatrice Wishart and Alistair Carmichael.

LIBERAL Democrat campaigners have criticised the Scottish Government for “delays and mismanagement” in bringing superfast broadband to the whole of Shetland.

Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson and Scottish Lib Dem candidate for the forthcoming by-election Beatrice Wishart highlighted the problems poor broadband and failure to fully implement the R100 programme is causing Shetlanders, following a visit to software firm Mesomorphic on the campaign trail in Lerwick yesterday (Friday).

Questioning by the Scottish Liberal Democrats earlier this year “revealed” that the tendering process for delivering the R100 programme would take almost two years.

Swinson said: “Our visit to Mesomorphic today was illuminating. The team do an incredible job supporting other budding businesses. Communities like Shetland need a mix of jobs in the local economy, and for that to happen the government needs to support companies by providing the necessary infrastructure. That is why the SNP failure on super fast broadband is so damaging.

“The delivery of the R100 programme is a real concern for many of the people I have talked to in Shetland. Businesses are dependent on their ability to connect to trade partners and colleagues on the mainland. Shoddy internet links put those operations in jeopardy and stall enterprise in the isles.

“The SNP have a responsibility to follow through on their promises. It’s important they speed up the broadband rollout so they don’t let people down, and follow an outward in model so the most remote areas get attention first.”

Wishart said: “Broadband provisions in the Northern Isles are simply not up to standard.

“The Scottish Government has repeatedly promised that every premises in Scotland will have access to superfast broadband. The scheme has been plagued by delays and mismanagement, and by kicking the can down the road they’re letting islanders down.

“There’s no use in scapegoating these failings on Westminster. The SNP made a crystal clear promise to ensure every household and business would have access and many many Shetlanders are missing out, especially on the outer isles.

Read more about all ten candidates at our special Shetland by-election page at: https://www.shetnews.co.uk/category/features/election-2019/

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.