State aid approval an ‘important step’ towards better broadband

EU state aid approval for new investment in broadband internet has been welcomed as “an important step towards improved services” by Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael.

It was confirmed earlier this week that UK Government plans to invest in Scotland and increase access to high-speed broadband had been approved by the European Commission.

Mr Carmichael said: “People in the Northern Isles have been at the back of the queue for many years when it comes to digital services. Mobile phone and internet connections that people in other parts of the country now take for granted are simply not available in many parts of the Highlands and Islands.

“We have seen the difficulties that EU state aid rules can cause for Government projects on a number of occasions in the past. As with the fuel duty derogation, it is important that ministers follow all the right procedures and are working to get projects off the ground as soon as possible.

“EU approval was a vital stepping stone towards getting the Highlands and Islands pilot project under way. This is good news for the Northern Isles and an important step towards boosting internet services across the north of Scotland. The money that the UK Government are putting into services in the Highlands and Islands will help drive investment from elsewhere.”