Orkney’s parliamentarians join forces on broadband issues

Orkney’s parliamentarians have joined forces to press senior British Telecom staff on a range of issues relating to broadband internet services in the Northern Isles.

During a meeting with the chief executive of BT Openreach, Alistair Carmichael MP and Liam McArthur MSP have stressed the importance of good internet connections to island communities.

“It is increasingly clear that other parts of the UK are racing ahead of the Highlands and Islands in broadband rollout. We need BT Openreach and Government agencies to work together to ensure that we catch up.”

Mr McArthur added: “The importance of good broadband links to people living and working in Orkney cannot be overstated. Yet, despite significant investment by successive Governments, the digital divide is growing ever wider.

“I am pleased that Orkney will play a key part in the UK Government’s rural superfast broadband pilot. However, this must be supported by Scottish Government funding as well, to ensure that the benefits are spread as widely as possible throughout Orkney.