The Scottish government will be awarding contract for the execution of next generation broadband to be started in September. More details about the tender have been just published.

The contract will be as per the UK- wide Broadband Delivery Framework rather than limited to Scotland. That will ensure faster actions everywhere throughout.

However, the Scottish government was not pleased with the attitude of the Department of Culture, Media and Sports on the formulation of the framework.

Scottish government has estimated £550 million and £750 million for the up gradation of the network using fibre broadband. Public sector intervention will be between £190 and £350 million.

The document says that the uncertainty with the costing is understandable at this stage in the case of such a massive project.

Alex Neil, the cabinet secretary for infra structure, has already unveiled a strategy document for making Scotland up-to-date in digital communication.

Out of the £250 million public sector funding, £40 million will be through local authorities. BDUK has agreed to provide £68 million. More funds from other sources will also be necessary.

Neil said that faster internet will enable the communities, especially those in the rural and remote areas to become vibrant, vigil and informative. The procurement plan along with the investment for faster internet connections will substantially boost the economic growth. All within Scotland will be able to communicate with each other.

As per thee research, the next generation broadband investment can boost the economy of any town to the tune of around £143 million.

Incidentally, the Scottish government has sought higher fund from BDUK, as it felt that the high cost involved in the provision in remote and rural areas was not considered while allocation of the fund initially.