Broadband boost for rural areas

RURAL COMMUNITIES throughout Perth and Kinross could finally be set to benefit from next-generation broadband after the announcement of a new £ 5 million fund.

The Community Broadband Scotland initiative will act as a one-stop shop for community groups, providing them with information and advice to find solutions for broadband delivery in their areas.

From October, a new telephone helpline and website delivering advice and practical support will be made available.

A dedicated team will work on the ground to provide hands-on assistance to groups in need.

Communities will be eligible to apply for seed funding under the initiative to enable them to obtain greater access to the internet.

The first round of funding will focus on supporting a small number of community projects, which will be used as case studies for wider roll-out throughout Scotland.

It is hoped the funding will help to address a glaring need for better broadband provision within rural communities in Perth and Kinross.

Nonetheless, campaigners have vowed to continue their fight until the region can claim its services match those across the country.

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has been fighting for better services for rural areas, claiming that a lack of competitive high-speed internet links was having a dev- astating impact upon the rural economy. It has been in extensive talks with technology leaders in the hope of securing a better service to enable local businesses to compete effectively in today’s fast-moving business world.

Speaking yesterday as the £5 million was announced, Infrastructure and Capital Investment Minister Alex Neil said: “Everyone recognises the importance of access to broadband to ensure that our local communities flourish.

“Broadband should not be considered a luxury in rural areas. It is essential to enhance the quality of life and stimulate the growth of the local economy.

“This investment of £5 million, over the next three years, will see targeted support being provided to community projects to enable them to deliver broadband solutions for their areas. Increasing access to broadband is a key priority area for the Scottish Government and we are currently progressing plans to develop a world class digital infrastructure by 2020.”

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Vicki Unite said: “This is welcome news as it helps to address the issues raised through the chamber’s Better Broadband for Perthshire campaign and follows discussions which took place when Mr Neil attended our business breakfast in June.

“This involved a frank discussion which highlighted just how critical a decent level of broadband is to businesses in the area and the local economy — particularly those in a rural setting. “