Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate for the Western Isles, Kenny Barker,
has called on the SNP Government to “drastically speed-up” the delivery of its R100
programme which which pledged to bring high speed broadband to every home with a
focus on island and rural areas.
However, a Freedom of Information Request published by the Scottish Government in
April shows that just 14 business and residential premises in the Western Isles -
out of a possible 2,206 eligible premises - have been connected to superfast broadband
through the scheme, despite a promise by the SNP in 2016 that 100% of premises would
be connected by 2021.
Under a revised pledge that all premises would be connected to superfast broadband by 2026, it would take the SNP Government more than 157 years to deliver it, if the current trend continues.
Kenny Barker has now urged economy secretary Kate Forbes to take urgent action over the issue.
Mr Barker said: “It is a complete shambles that in the eight years since the SNP promised that every home and business would be able to access superfast broadband, only 14 properties across the Western Isles have been connected through its R100 programme.
“As per usual, the islands have been left behind while the SNP prioritises upgrades to infrastructure in the Central Belt.
“It is now time for the new economy secretary to drastically speed-up the delivery
of these vital upgrades, so that homes and businesses on the islands are not left
behind any longer.”
Conservative candidate demands action on broadband roll-
18 June 2024