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Some 71% of Western Isles premises have access to superfast broadband according to the latest data from the Digital Scotland project.

 

More than 135 fibre cabinets are being built in the islands, delivering fibre broadband access to more than 12,000 homes and business.

 

But the islands still lag well behind the rest of Scotland where coverage reaches 95% of users overall.

 

Even 86% of the Highland and Islands population can obtain the higher speeds.

 

Upgrades are not made automatically, users have to order the service from an ISP.

 

Connectivity Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Fast and reliable internet is fundamental for the future economic and social success of communities right across Scotland.

 

“We are now focusing on delivering our £600 million ‘Reaching 100%’ programme, which is the biggest public investment ever made in a single UK broadband project.

 

“This will make sure every single premise in Scotland can access a speeds of at least 30Mbps by the end of 2021.”

 

Alasdair Allan said there was “still a lot of work” to be done however to get to bring fibre broadband availability up to the levels seen in other parts of the country.

 

The MSP said the progress of the broadband infrastructure programme is of “no comfort” at all to the people who still don’t benefit.

 

He pledged the Scottish Government “will not rest” until every single premise in Scotland is able to receive an adequate fibre service, “no matter the location,” within four years.

 

 

Improved superfast broadband coverage  

18 April 2018