BROADBAND ANNOUNCMENT GOOD FOR HIGHLANDS - ALEXANDER

22-Feb-2012

Highland Parliamentarian Danny Alexander MP has welcomed news that the rollout of superfast broadband across the Highlands and Islands is proceeding on schedule.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) announced last week that they anticipate contracts for the necessary improvement works will be signed by August 2012 and that BT is now the sole bidder involved in the final stage of negotiations. HIE is leading a UK Government backed project aiming to deliver access to superfast broadband across all areas of the Highlands and Islands over the coming years, with work expected to start in 2013.

Welcoming the news, Danny Alexander said:

"The government made it clear that we are committed to ensuring that people in the Highlands and Islands are not left out when it comes to high speed internet. The investment that is on its way through HIE will help ensure that thousands of homes and businesses enjoy the economic and social benefits of superfast broadband sooner rather than later - and I hope the Scottish Government will consider adding to it so its impact can be even greater.

"It is very welcome that BT are already bringing improvements forward in towns like Nairn and Grantown. I hope we will see that approach continue wherever immediate action is commercially viable so that the publicly funded pilot scheme can focus on solutions for the areas which could otherwise be left behind.

"The internet has come to play a vital role in our economic and social life - and its importance is only set to grow. Boosting services will have a profound impact on the way local companies are able to do business as well as on the way we live at home. It is hugely important that the pilot project paves the way to significant improvements that include the whole of the Highlands."

"HIE are playing a key role in this process and this latest announcement marks a welcome step forward."

ENDS