Stephen Kerr

“In 2017 this should not still be the major issue that it is. Successive Scottish & UK Governments have failed to tackle the issue effectively and provide a reliable, comprehensive network across our Country.

Broadband and mobile phone connectivity are, in the 21st Century, regarded by all of us as a fundamental utility, as basic as electricity and water connections.

Nowadays people expect to be ‘connected’wherever they are, including our remotest areas. Living, learning or running a business without a reliable service is simply not acceptable or viable anymore.

There are currently a range of publicly funded projects resulting in an uncoordinated patchwork of‘solutions’that often utilises technology superseded in many parts of the world. These schemes are too bureaucratic and risk adverse leading to long delays with many community broadband projects unable to access the fastest speeds available elsewhere. We must install networks with capacity to expand otherwise our money is not being spent effectively or efficiently.

Even in areas already enabled there are those within them that miss out due to the limits of the technology used, that is not acceptable. Across the region we must establish a digital network to support all our businesses, providing opportunities for investment and growth that will enable local enterprises to compete globally.

This is absolutely fundamental to sustain our communities, enrich our lives and grow our rural economy. I believe this to be one of the most important issues across our rural area as it underpins so much. As your MP I would work for a more imaginative and direct approach from our Governments to deliver a range of future proof, affordable solutions. These need to be procured via far tighter agreements with suppliers that ensure we get what is needed rather than what suits them.”