HARPER WELCOMES THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENTS COMMITMENT TO DELIVER BROADBAND IN EVERY CORNER OF SCOTLAND

South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has today welcomed the progress the Scottish Government is making in delivering superfast broadband to every part of Scotland, including rural areas such as parts of Dumfries and Galloway.

Speaking in a debate on digital connectivity Ms Harper welcomed the progress to date, but also accepted that there is still some way to go in achieving 100% connectivity for rural areas.

In the debate, Ms Harper also called on the UK Government to increase its funding contribution to the R100 programme, and its efforts to ensure that Scotland sees tangible financial, social and environmental benefits from the broadband Universal service obligation.
Commenting, Ms Harper said:

“There are still many folks in the South West with no, or slow broadband and I have been contacted by, and I am working with many people to help support them to obtain internet connection as well as better broadband speeds. I have hosted drop in Digital Broadband surgeries in Dumfries, Stranraer and New Galloway which were well attended.

 
“Recent figures published in response to a parliamentary question lodged by my colleague Gillian Martin, showed a comparison across all Scottish local authorities of premises connected to fibre broadband compared to the progress made if the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband team hadn’t provided support.”

“The findings are prominsing and show that 91.7% of properties in Dumfries and Galloway receive fibre broadband, compared to only 26% if left to commercial deployment.”

“I absolutely welcome these figures which demonstrate the Scottish Governments commitment to achieving nationwide broadband, which will deliver to all rural businesses and farms in Scotland.”

“I have been working with the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband team in order to help constituents in the South West get connected and provide solutions to some of the problems they are having. I would also encourage anyone having difficulties to get in touch with me if they are looking for support.”