Responding to news that nearly 150,000 Scottish premises are missing out on a key SNP pledge to deliver superfast broadband to every home and business, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston and Convenor of Holyrood’s Cross-Party Group on Islands said:
“These disappointing figures will come as no surprise to households and businesses in rural Scotland and across our islands.
"Despite SNP claims to the contrary, the Scottish Government’s digital plans have been a huge disappointment, particularly in communities where even slow but reliable broadband remains out of reach for far too many.
"The mismanagement and failed promises of this programme have only widened the technology gap between urban and rural Scotland, leaving homes and businesses unable to access the online services that those who live in our towns and cities take for granted.
“As banks close local branches, and other institutions like local councils increasingly move services online, those who can’t access the internet will only miss out more.
“Even my own online MSP advice surgeries are unavailable to some constituents because their broadband is either slow or non-existent, leaving them with no option but to attend in person surgeries, even if that means travelling long distances and times which are less convenient for them.
“It is just another example of how rural Scotland remains an afterthought for the Scottish Government in Edinburgh, and their failure to deliver for rural communities only widens the urban-rural divide”.
ENDS
Notes to editor
Fore more information: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24279151.150-000-homes-firms-losing-scotgov-r100-broadband-pledge/
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