Western Isles superfast broadband

The map shows the stages for the roll out of the new fibre-optic superfast broadband network in the Western Isles.

However, around a third of the Western Isles will not benefit from the present investment.

The grey-coloured areas on the map shows places which will not be reached by the fibre network.

Even when fibre upgrades are complete, many people covered by telephone exchanges in Benbecula, Barra, South Uist, South Harris, north and west Lewis, may not receive a better service.

People whose phone lines are covered by telephone exchange in Back, Barvas, Crossbost, Garrabost, and the rest of Stornoway are expected to have access to higher speeds later this year.

Most premises covered by the Ballallan and Gravir exchanges in South Lochs, Lewis may not get the improved service.

More exchanges will be switched on over 2016 - Berneray, Borve, Carnan, Eriskay, Harris, Leverburgh, Lochmaddy, North Tolsta, Scalpay and Shawbost.

Many other areas will also be activated next year but the higher speeds may not reach the majority of communites covered by exchanges - Benbecula, Callanish, Carloway, Castlebay, Grogarry, Lochboisdale, Locheport, Manish, Northbay, Port of Ness, and Sollas.

Communities in Great Bernera, Uig and the Amhuinnsuidhe areas as well as many in North Uist, west Harris, around Bornish and in Drinnishader are set to be bypassed completely. Other solutions for a better internet service will be considered for these districts.

HIE

Map of Western Isles superfast broadband roll out

8 July 2015