SUPERFAST BROADBAND IS ON ITS WAY TO THE HIGHLANDS - DANNY ALEXANDER MP

21-Nov-2012

Danny Alexander MP has welcomed the news that the Coalition Government's plans to bring superfast broadband to the Highlands and Islands have been approved by the European Commission.

Our area was one of the first to be awarded the funding when the Lib Dems came into Government.

This approval paves the way for the £10m scheme which is expected to complete the HIE procurement process very shortly, as part of the total £100m spend across Scotland by the UK Government.

Commenting, Danny Alexander MP, Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey said:

"This is great news for our business community and I'm delighted that we have been able to deliver this investment for the Highlands, something which has been a priority for me in government.

"Superfast broadband is crucial to build a strong economy, where everyone has the opportunity to make a success of their business. This investment will create jobs and growth for us and ensure we can compete fairly with bigger cities.

"It is also key to delivering public services effectively online and to going about our everyday lives.

"I'm delighted that as Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government we have done the right thing for the Highlands by making this a priority and ensuring that the European Commission approved the plans.

"I have always been clear we must not miss out on the digital age in and I will be working as part of the Coalition Government, with the Scottish Government and with our local authority to ensure we deliver superfast broadband as soon as possible."

ENDS