A report in today’s Press & Journal suggests the Highlands will be successful in its bid to become one of BDUK’s three superfast broadband pilots. The paper says the news had been scheduled to be announced by David Cameron in his speech to the Conservative Party conference, but was withdrawn at the last minute.
The P&J says the development “will provide a massive boost to private and business communications in about 20 towns and villages across the north.”
It suggests UK Government funding will be topped up with additional money from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other sources, including the private sector. An announcement is expected within the next couple of weeks.
Also at the Conservative conference this week Ed Vaizey, UK Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries, told a fringe meeting that the UK Government’s broadband plan is on track. He said the Government would develop partnerships with businesses and local authorities to facilitate the expansion of broadband to rural and hard to reach areas, and that it hoped to publish a progress report shortly.
Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Digital Participation 