Broadband affordability is key, says McArthur

People in Orkney should not “pay through the nose” for superfast broadband.

That was according to Orkney MSP, Liam McArthur, during questions in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.

Mr McArthur referred to the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver superfast broadband to 100 per cent of businesses and households by 2021 and asked for assurances that people in Orkney will be paying no more for broadband than the rest of the country.

The cabinet secretary agreed to raise the MSPs concerns with the UK Government and Ofcom.

Mr McArthur said: “The Scottish Government has committed to delivering superfast broadband to 100 per cent of businesses and households by 2021. This promise is welcome, though we need greater clarity about how it will be achieved.

“It is also important that those in more outlying areas are not left paying through the nose for the service they receive. Having good quality, reliable broadband is increasingly essential to being able to access a range of public services as well as the other benefits it brings.

“Whatever approach the Scottish Government takes to meeting its commitment, addressing the issue of affordability will be key.

“The cabinet secretary agreed to take this forward in his discussions with the UK Government and Ofcom about future regulation of the telecoms market. That is a step in the right direction and vital to ensuring that superfast broadband is genuinely accessible in the same ways as other utilities.”