Candidates visit Chambers in push for faster connections

23-Apr-2012

Inverness South Lib Dem council candidates Thomas Prag and Carolyn Caddick were joined by local MP Danny Alexander on Saturday to visit Nairnside-based business, Chambers Electronics.

The trio heard about the problems the firm has faced getting the speed of broadband connection which is needed to be competitive on a national and international basis.

Thomas Prag says: "We're all getting use to the idea that broadband speeds matter, but it's about much more than whether BBC iplayer runs smoothly. For a huge range of local businesses, broadband is every bit as important as our road, rail or air links. And It isn't just the obviously remote areas that have a problem - places like Nairnside, Sunnyside, Clava and many more just on the fringe of Inverness are getting a very poor service.

Carolyn Caddick added: "There is no single solution to getting the broadband infrastructure we need for the future. What is clear is that every level of government needs to work together to get the best out of the resources available - and to make sure the network operators who stand to benefit do more than the bare minimum themselves."

Local MP Danny Alexander said: "It was really good to see in practice the difference broadband connection speed makes to a pioneering local business - both in terms of the frustration it causes today and the potential which improvements would unlock in the future.

"The UK government-funded scheme which is being delivered through Highlands & Islands Enterprise from this year represents a substantial commitment to our area. The further scheme to support broadband infrastructure for cities, announced in the recent budget, could also present an opportunity for Inverness.

"I hope the Scottish Government will deliver on its manifesto commitment to invest in this area too, so that we can make broadband go both further and faster, all over the Highlands."

ENDS

Notes for editors:

For more details of Chambers Electronics, go to www.chambers-electronics.com