Time running out for SNP ‘superfast broadband for all’

A KEY SNP pledge to roll out superfast broadband to every home and business in Scotland by 2021 is unlikely to be delivered, according to spending watchdogs.

The Auditor General has warned that the Scottish Government’s bid to achieve 100 per cent coverage will be ‘difficult’ to reach – with the initial forecast costs of £600million set to soar.

Ministers have promised to have superfast broadband in every home and business property in the next three years through the Reaching 100% (R100) project, but a damning report has revealed a lack of planning and funding.

The Audit Scotland report published today praises the Government for hitting its target to provide fibre broadband access to 95 per cent of premises by the end of last year. It said that without public investment, only two-thirds would have internet access at 30 megabits a second.

But the watchdog warned it will ‘be difficult for the Scottish Government to deliver its ambitions’ to hit 100 per cent coverage by the end of 2021.

Ministers were aware that the roll-out was ‘unlikely to be achievable on cost grounds and within the current timescales’.

At present, 376,000 premises have no access to superfast broadband. Of these, only 165,000 are expected to be linked in the next three years.

It means that 211,000 families and businesses will miss out.

Tory infrastructure spokesman Jamie Greene said: ‘Audit Scotland’s report has confirmed the SNP is unlikely to reach its own broadband connectivity target, which could cost businesses millions.

‘The contracts for the R100 stage aren’t going to be awarded until next year at the earliest, casting doubts over the timescale and budget.

‘The former Cabinet Secretary in charge of connectivity, Fergus Ewing, said he would resign if the project was not completed on time. It’ll be interesting to see if his successor shares his confidence.’

Audit Scotland also revealed that rural areas have lost confidence in the Government’s ability to deliver broadband – following a failed Community Broadband Scotland scheme set up with £7.5million taxpayers’ cash.

Figures show only 13 of the 63 projects were funded – with a lack of specialist skills, poor communication and complex tendering behind delays and failed procurements.

Labour’s rural economy spokesman Colin Smyth said: ‘Scotland currently faces a digital divide, with swathes of rural areas unable to access decent broadband. The roll-out of fibre broadband has been a con for many communities, with a quarter of rural properties receiving super-slow broadband rather than superfast.

‘The SNP simply do not have a strategy to deliver their spin of real 100 per cent coverage.’

The Auditor General called for a detailed plan, including costs and a practical timescale, by next summer.

Fraser McKinlay, Audit Scotland’s director of performance audit and best value, said: ‘The toughest hurdle remains – to extend the benefits to everyone, particularly remote and rural communities.’

Connectivity Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: ‘Our 100 per cent commitment is unmatched anywhere else in the UK.

‘We have backed our commitment with a record £600million for procurement of R100 and are in dialogue with three suppliers. We expect to award the contracts in 2019.’

‘Rural areas have lost confidence’