Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East has called on the SNP Scottish Government to make investment in connecting rural communities, properties and businesses a priority. The calls come following the publication by the Scottish Government of Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan.
She said, “I welcome the publication of the Scottish Government Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan. It is unacceptable that so many people, particularly in rural communities, have to put up with little or no access to good and reliable broadband.
“It is welcome news that the action plan sets out some welcome targets to work towards addressing the current digital divide, to ensure a step change in speeds by 2015. However, it is clear that many urban areas already have good levels of connectivity with the current digital divide existing between urban and rural communities. I hope that when investment projects are brought forward rural communities will be given the priority they deserve.
“Digital technology has the potential to radically change the way we live and work and can provide great opportunities for people not only to work from home but to start or improve their own businesses.
“I have been contacted by constituents in many rural communities across Aberdeenshire for whom access to a broadband connection is still extremely poor or non-existent. I will be seeking on-going updates from Ministers as to how they are actually making progress.”