Forum launched as digital divide grows wider

Isles Parliamentarians Alistair Carmichael MP and Liam McArthur MSP have today launched the Northern Isles Digital Forum.

The forum will bring together representatives from some of the major digital network providers and will give people in the Northern Isles the opportunity to discuss some of difficulties they experience with their mobile phone and internet services.

Mr McArthur commented: “I know from my postbag that few issues cause as much frustration to those living and working in Orkney as shortcomings in broadband and mobile phone services.  Despite recent improvements, digital services in the isles have not kept pace with advances further south. Indeed, the so-called digital divide is wide and growing wider.

“This is a real concern.  As well as being an integral part of most households, good broadband and mobile phone connections are now an essential tool for business.

“This forum should provide a welcome opportunity for local businesses, community representatives and others to outline their concerns directly to the companies and organisations involved in providing digital services. Hopefully, this will enable solutions to be identified and agreement reached on how these are to be implemented so that the needs of those in the islands are met effectively.”

The Orkney Forum will take place on February 15, at the St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall, between 3pm and 5.15pm. For further information please contact the Kirkwall office on 876541.