Superfast broadband improvements may only offer a third of the headline speeds, according to a new report.
The Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have appointed
BT, through two contracts, to develop a superfast broadband network with capacity
to deliver speeds of 40-
But these speeds are not guaranteed for all premises, highlights Audit Scotland.
The government watchdog said over three-
The rest may need technological advances or further investment to get superfast broadband.
Exact details of what speeds will be delivered are dependent on completion of survey work by BT.
Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “This investment by the public
sector is intended to mainly benefit rural areas, where such access is currently
either low or non-
"Given the potential benefits, it's important that the Scottish Government and HIE provide clear and regular updates on what coverage and speeds the broadband network will actually deliver, as the installation progresses."
Audit Scotland calculates that 85%of premises will have access to improved broadband by March 2016.
The combined cost of building and maintaining the network is £412 million, including a contribution of £165 million from the public sector.
Superfast broadband may be slower than expected
26 February 2015