Ewing wants fair share of broadband funding

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has written to UK Digital Secretary Matt Hancock calling for Scotland to be given its share of UK broadband funding.

The Scottish Government said that Scotland will receive no benefits from the UK Government’s Universal Service Obligation (USO) to deliver 10 Mbps broadband to 100% of premises, with all Scottish premises deemed ineligible.

Mr Ewing said it would be “grossly unfair” if people in Scotland were excluded from the USO despite contributing funding.

He has written to the UK Government to demand clarity over what Scotland stands to receive from the obligation.

Mr Ewing has asked Mr Hancock for confirmation that the USO would tie in with Scotland’s own ‘Reaching 100%’ broadband programme, and allow the Scottish Government to access some benefits.

Speaking ahead of his appearance at the Scottish Affairs Committee tomorrow, Mr Ewing said: “This USO will be funded by industry, who are in turn likely to pass on the costs to consumers across the UK. If excluded from the USO, people in Scotland would get nothing back despite contributing funding.

“This is grossly unfair as this funding could be used to deliver additional benefits for Scotland.

“Whilst we are currently procuring our own £600 million ‘Reaching 100%’ programme to connect all Scottish premises, the collaboration we seek would allow us to unlock significant savings, to which Scottish consumers have a right.”

A UK Government spokeswoman said: “The USO will benefit citizens across the UK and help ensure people in remote places are connected.

“Everyone will have a legal right to an affordable, high speed connection no matter where they live or work.”

Fergus Ewing has written to the UK Government.