Community broadband edging closer

THE KYLES of Bute community broadband project reached a critical milestone in December, securing £350,000 of funding to support the design, build and operation of a community-owned broadband network. The cash, from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Community Broadband Scotland (CBS) will allow the group to begin the procurement process to find a supplier and start construction.

Formed in 2016, Kyles Community Broadband Community Internet Company (KCB) has been campaigning to find a solution to the poor broadband provision in South-west Cowal and on the Isle of Bute. The organisation spent most of last year trying to fully understand the scope of the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) project at postcode level.

When the DSSB rollout closed in late 2016, BT were finally able to provide categorical detail to KCB on which postcodes would not be covered by DSSB.

When KCB realised fit-for-purpose connectivity would not be available to Southwest Cowal and on the Isle of Bute in the foreseeable future, and given the enthusiasm expressed in a series of public meetings for community broadband, KCB applied for funding from CBS.

Unfortunately, due to the length of time the procurement process takes, it means it is unlikely KCB will be able to identify and commission their supplier before August this year. Nevertheless, this is still the fastest route for residents to secure affordable highspeed internet.