Gaps in Superfast Broadband

Parts of Scotland remains no access to superfast broadband despite various initiatives and government support.

07:17 29 September 2020

93per cent of premises across Scotland now have access to fast internet connection of at least 30Mbps compared to just 42.2% almost 10 years ago. Based on the recent survey released by the national government, Fife and Dundee City have the highest number of premises with 96.6per cent and 99.1per cent coverage of speedy connection, respectively. 

 

However, it is notable that certain parts of the east coast are less well served. Angus and Perth, for example, have only 89.2per cent coverage while only 87.1per cent of premises in Kinross Council enjoys the service.

 

Jenny Gilruth, minister for Europe and international development and the SNP’s Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, said: “A big part of my work locally since 2016 has been helping my constituents to access faster broadband, and I was delighted to help secure full fibre broadband connections for homes in the Castlefleurie estate in Leven last year.

 

“Local campaigns are not enough, however, and it’s been left to the SNP Government at Holyrood to take up the mantle and invest £600 million in the R100 programme to ensure superfast broadband speeds reach every corner of Scotland.

 

“The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital connectivity.”

 

Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid, on the other hand, has noted that the Scottish Government’s target for blanket coverage by the end of 2021 will be delayed until 2023. 

 

He said: “We already know that the R100 programme is several years behind schedule, yet our local MSPs are still parroting the line that it will be delivered in 2021. That is simply not the case.

 

“It is equally untrue to say that Scotland is the only part of the UK with guaranteed superfast broadband access.

 

“Try telling that to my constituents that are still struggling with speeds well below 10Mbps, let alone 30Mbps.

 

“The roll-out of this technology is the responsibility of the Scottish Government.