Solution sought for network loss
Talks have been held in an effort to help 400 people still using a publicly-funded wireless internet network which is to be closed at the end of March.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan recently met Minister for Connectivity Paul Wheelhouse MSP to discuss the discontinuation of the Connected Communities broadband service.
The network, operated in the Western Isles since 2005, will cease at the end of March because of high fixed costs and declining customers making it no longer viable for operator Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The minister offered to meet Dr Allan after the islands’ MSP raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament.
Since the roll-out of superfast broadband across the islands began in 2015, more and more households and businesses have been transferring to mainstream broadband services.
Dr Allan said: ‘Since Connected Communities’ users received notification the service would cease in March, I have received dozens of inquiries from affected households.
‘There are significantly fewer people using Connected Communities since the rollout of superfast broadband across the islands.
‘However, for those 400 or so still on the network, the news the service is to shut down in March has been unwelcome.’
Dr Allan added that almost everyone who had contacted him so far had a good enough 4G signal for home broadband.
Isles FM radio uses the ConCom network for its communications link between the station’s Seaforth Road studio and broadcast site at Eitshal.
Broadcasting since March 1998, the station is operated entirely by volunteers in Stornoway.
Dr Allan added: ‘Isles FM has an important place in the community and provides a valuable public service.
‘It is vitally important a solution is found which allows it to continue to broadcast and I have raised this issue with HIE, which I know has been seeking solutions.
‘At a time when local radio stations across the country are being squeezed, the volunteers at Isles FM have done a great job keeping the station on-air, providing listeners with music, news and other content.
‘I know HIE and the comhairle have also given significant help and assistance to Isles FM, without which the station could not continue.'
Anyone using the service who is unsure what to do after March should get in touch with HIE at hidigital@hient. co.uk.