Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Broadband inequality ‘needs to be addressed’
THE “blatant inequality” of broadband coverage in Tayside has left people in rural Angus “feeling like second-class citizens”.
That is the view of Liberal Democrat Ben Lawrie, ward member for Monifieth and Sidlaw, who hit out at the “postcode lottery” despite the Scottish Government’s aim for Scotland to become a “worldclass digital nation” by 2020.
Mr Lawrie said it was important rural communities are not left behind and wants the council to work with telecoms providers to improve the quality of coverage across the county.
The average download speed was 14.5Mbs in Angus, compared with 28.7Mbs in Dundee.
“Our neighbours in Dundee are lucky to have the fastest average download speed in Scotland,” he said.
“Meanwhile, here in Angus, less than 65% of premises can receive an average speed of more than 24Mbs.
“People in rural areas often feel like second-class citizens. They have poorer download speeds and poorer mobile phone coverage. In the 21st Century, people should have equal access to these services.”
A council spokeswoman said broadband and mobile coverage “is essential for Angus companies and residents”.
She said: “It is of vital importance. That’s why Angus Council is investing in infrastructure.”