SNP’s snail-pace broadband rollout

THE rollout of fast broadband connections to every home and business in Scotland could take 15 years to complete, it has been claimed.

Concerns have been raised about the sluggish pace of the expansion of superfast broadband as new figures showed a tiny fraction of eligible homes and businesses have benefited from a flagship scheme.

Under the Scottish broadband voucher scheme (SBVS), homes and businesses which have not been part of the superfast broadband rollout can get up to £5,000 to access a faster connection.

But the Scottish Government has now confirmed that just 2,268 installations have been completed in the hardest-to-reach areas, which is 2.7 per cent of eligible homes and businesses. Only 1,338 installations have been completed since April, with the Liberal Democrats saying it will take 15 years to complete them all at the present rate of progress.

In a written parliamentary answer, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes also confirmed that the only direct communication with eligible homes and businesses was a single mailshot to 30,000 addresses in May 2021.

Scottish LibDem economy spokesman Willie Rennie said: ‘The SNP’s broadband rollout is proceeding at dial-up speeds.

‘At this rate it will be another decade and a half before some households and businesses get a decent connection.’

He added: A reliable internet connection is essential for starting businesses, securing a good education and even attending medical appointments in remote and rural communities.

‘Sending out a single mailshot to a fraction of eligible households suggests that the Scottish Government misjudged what was required.

‘The Scottish Government need a fresh push to sign up all those who are eligible and ensure that communities do not miss out on the broadband connections they have been promised for so many years.’

The response by Miss Forbes said a dedicated website was the ‘main means’ of publicising the broadband rollout programme.

She added: ‘We have received extensive coverage and reach across local and national media outlets and social media at no cost.’