Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.4°C   NE Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / Time to revisit the idea of a direct satellite link to improve broadband services

Very interested in yet another report about broadband failure for Shetland.

I have written several times before, over 23 years, about a solution, which was rejected, of course, by SIC Economic Development, SLAP – the local investment arm of the Shetland Charitable Trust and HIE, at a meeting and business presentation in the Lerwick Hotel in 1998. Seems all three still lack the imagination and business or economic development acumen they are supposed to have with our money!

The solution, especially now with the coming of the space station at Unst, is to have a direct satellite link via an earth station (receiving dish) at the space station, with localised fibre optic and/or very short distance microwave throughout Shetland.

This concept was proposed by ScotSat, (I’ll share my then business partner’s blushes – he was the brains behind it, I of course was the mouthpiece but with EU funding expertise – now no longer available to us), a locally established company with a sound business plan, to include takeover of local telephony and development of major data storage and management (nowhere safer now with sea cooled hard drive capability) and expansion of local and global IT driven businesses.

Local nepotism killed it off, even though it was tentatively supported by the then MP and by BT, who were interested in selling off the local telephony and their still disused buildings between Commercial St and Greenfield Place (see photo) as not really an income generator for them, given their global expansion and with customer service being outsourced to South Africa!

So, it is not beyond the wit and wisdom for local partners to negotiate a local benefit, as per VE wind farm with satellite launchers e.g. Lockheed Martin to cough up at least the satellite transponder space, if not local connectivity from a Unst.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

This must be the 6th time I have written publicly about this since 1998. The silence has each time been deafening. Same again this time?

I’m hoping Mr Strang and partners can demonstrate the business acumen and vision, others have sadly lacked to date. I’m giving you the idea for free, although if you need the expertise my, and my then colleague’s business innovation rates are extremely reasonable.

James J Paton
Lerwick

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.

 
Categories

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.