Broadband in Orkney needs extra resources – McArthur

October 13, 2015 at 10:39 am

As superfast broadband coverage rolls out across the Highlands and Islands, provision in Orkney looks set to fall short of the regional average, according to Orkney MSP Liam McArthur.

The Highlands and Islands Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband project is a joint venture between Highlands and Islands Enterprise and BT, drawing on funding from the UK and Scottish governments. It aims to roll out fibre broadband across the Highlands and Islands, including Orkney.

Orkney, however, is only set to see 75 per cent of premises covered under the project by the end of 2016, compared to a figure of 84 per cent for the Highlands and Islands region as a whole.

The statistics have been confirmed by the Scottish Government in responses to parliamentary questions from Mr McArthur.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise has already warned consumers that “broadband speeds may vary” while “not everyone will see an improvement at this stage – although this may change as technology improves.”

Mr McArthur said: “Good, reliable and affordable broadband is increasingly essential, not just for businesses but also for households looking to access a range of services. It is also a key means of families and friends keeping in touch.

“It’s great news, therefore, that many islanders will be getting superfast broadband over the coming months. By the same token, however, it is a concern that around a quarter of Orkney premises look set to miss out. This falls far short of the coverage expected across the rest of the region, and short of what people in Orkney have a right to expect.

“Not only is the gap in broadband speeds between Orkney and the rest of the UK growing. Now it appears that a digital divide is opening up within Orkney and between Orkney and other parts of the Highlands & Islands.

“I believe that addressing this issue now needs to be the focus for Scottish Ministers and their agencies. Where additional resources are available, priority must be given to extending the availability of broadband in those places that fall below the average for coverage, such as Orkney.”