For Argyll

The Scottish Executive have just sent out a press release saying that they will be procuring a broadband solution for all those who are “Out of Reach” of conventional adsl broadband.

Many in the Highlands and Islands will breathe a huge sigh of relief: out of the ambit of adsl, internet users in the so-called ‘Last Mile’ have had to depend on cranky copper to get online via dial-up (which is often disconnected seconds after a connection is made) or slow and very expensive satellite broadband. Despite the Executive’s welcome roll-out of adsl broadband to all exchanges in Scotland during the last three years, connectivity has by no means been 100%. According to BT between 7,000 and 25,000 people live and work beyond the range of normal solutions, though other sources double or treble these figures.

Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise and MSP for Argyll & Bute commented:
“If I want people in Argyll and Bute to spread over the whole landmass and run businesses, Broadband is absolutely necessary … We could be having people dealing in foreign exchange, dealing in aviation fuel – you name it – from cottages and croft houses across the constituency. So extending the availability of affordable broadband is crucial especially when we are committed to having a wealthier and fairer Scotland.”

The procurement process has begun but there are no promises as to the level of connectivity provided, nor the technology employed – all that is being said is that the broadband model should be sustainable and affordable beyond the funding that the Executive have ear-marked. Of course what will help is ensuring that all those homes and businesses who would, could or might need broadband in the next decade register – if they don’t now it may be some time before the possibility of getting properly connected comes again.

And anyway, once Radio Fyneside starts broadcasting over the internet next year everyone will want a broadband connection to listen in gorgeous surround sound.

For Jim Mather’s full podcast click here.
To register click here and qualify for a connection.