Covid-19 pandemic spurs calls by Highland MSP for more “off-grid thinking” by the Scottish Government to resolve broadband connectivity problems
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MSP Edward Mountain says the emergence of coronavirus makes the need for good broadband connections vital for the Highlands.
The Reaching 100 (R100) programme aims to connect 100 per cent of households to superfast broadband but is currently bogged-down by a lawsuit after BT Openreach was awarded the contract only for disgruntled competitor Gigaclear to launch a legal challenge.
Work on the "North Lot" of the programme, including the Highlands, has been postponed indefinitely as a result.
Conservative MSP Mr Mountain, however, believes that while the legal case plays out a solution to satisfy local demands and get people online is at hand if the Scottish Government and BT were to work with local internet providers.
He said: “I was delighted to meet with Highland Wireless and Cromarty Firth Wireless Network who, along with many other companies across the region, provide alternative solutions to those properties outside of the catchment area for R100.
“Having a fast and reliable connection to the internet has never been more important."
Among other things, he said, it would increase access for NHS Highland's Near Me project which provides online link-ups of patients with healthcare professionals.
“Our health service will remain under significant pressure even after the pandemic ends and the expansion of NHS Near Me will help to ease those pressures," he said.
“However, many Highland homes and businesses have been left in limbo because of the legal challenge delaying the North section of the R100 programme.
“The Scottish Government has already indicated that a fibre connection will not reach the most remote areas. Given that’s the case, surely we need to see the Scottish Government and BT co-operating with local internet providers to ensure that the areas outside of R100’s catchment area can be connected up. Work on this can and should start now.
“We need more clarity on the delays to the R100 programme in the Highlands.
"Homes and businesses are wary of signing up to alternative internet providers because it remains unclear if BT can deliver broadband in the next few years or if the wait will be far longer.
“We also need to have a level playing field when it comes to incentivising the spread of new installations for the internet. Rates relief is available for new fibre installations, so it should follow that alternative providers of internet, such as those who install masts, should receive rates relief too."
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “There are a number of ways in which the public can access digital health and other services, other than through fixed broadband, such as through 4G or satellite broadband.
“Our investment in new mobile masts through our £25 million Scottish 4G Infill Programme aims to extend 4G access and we are working to deliver a significant number of sites to benefit communities across the Highlands and Islands.”
