Pressures for Scottish government to roll out super fast broadband

Alasdair Allan, the Western Isles MSP has emphasized the need for super fast broadband across Western Isles, rural Scotland and all the cities and towns of the country.

In fact, he has written a letter to Alex Neil, Scotland’s cabinet secretary asking him to inform the date on which the fast broadband will be available in his constituency.

He is very particular that Western Isles and other remote areas are not neglected while considering next generation broadband access.

Earlier Ofcom had informed that the local telephone exchanges in Western Isles are not capable for adopting the new technology as their capacities are limited, giving an indication that there are a very few customers in the area with fixed line connections.

Wireless broadband is available to some parts of the Isles thanks to the Connected Communities initiative. However, 23% of the properties with fixed lines will have to continue struggling with the current 2 Mbps.

Dr Allen has received a number of letters from various personnel from Uig and other areas in connection with the matter, which prompted him to write to the government.

Much has been talked about the benefits of next generation broadband, but it must be made available through out Scotland and not limited to cities and towns. The people in the Isles are eager to enjoy the benefit of the new technology.

Dr. Allen is happy that Scottish government is interested in doing the needful. It is already in contact with the UK government and the private sector to sort out the issues. However he will continue to pressurize the Scottish government to expedite the things.