The public need to be given clearer information about the coverage and range of speeds that the development of a superfast broadband network for Scotland will deliver, according to a new report.
The Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have appointed BT to develop a superfast broadband network, with the capacity to deliver speeds of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mb/s). The Scottish Government's interim target is for 85-90 per cent of premises in Scotland to have access to the network by March 2016, and to extend this to over 95 per cent by the end of 2017.
The report by Audit Scotland notes that the contracts don't guarantee speeds of 40-80 Mb/s for all premises. It also says that the Scottish Government and HIE have not stated clearly what speeds will ultimately be delivered. Just over three quarters of the premises in the areas covered can expect to receive access to maximum speeds of more than 24 Mb/s. Exact details of what speeds will be delivered are dependent on completion of survey work by BT.
Luke Graham, Conservative Candidate for Ochil & South Perthshire said:
“Connectivity is vital for sustained economic growth. We need to ensure that the funding provided by Westminster and the Scottish Government covers the 95% of residents with superfast broadband as promised, and how future development will take place to ensure universal coverage.
“In the interim period, it is essential for businesses and public services alike, as well as the public, to know exactly who will be covered and who won’t, so we can work up alternatives for the 5% who will not covered.”