Carlaw: We need comprehensive plan to maximise broadband potential for Scotland

An Ofcom report has found that Scots are the least likely in the UK to have a broadband internet connection.

61% of Scots have broadband, compared with 74% of people across the whole of the UK. In the Greater Glasgow area the figure is just 50%.

Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conservative Infrastructure Spokesperson, said:

"This is deeply concerning and confirms a widely held suspicion that Scotland is lagging behind on broadband. Scotland was keeping pace with the rest of the UK in the last decade and we cannot afford to fall behind now.

"Scottish Conservatives pledged £135m in our election manifesto to match funding from business investors to ensure that our rural communities enjoy a fast broadband service. This complimented pilot funding being made available by the UK Coalition Government. But the Scottish Government needs to do far more.

"If we are to take advantage of emerging trends for home based working, develop the new business opportunities and unique lifestyle benefits our rural communities offer and also reach the extremely tough carbon emissions targets we have set by reducing unnecessary car usage then we need a comprehensive, urgent and far sighted action plan for connectivity infrastructure investment.

"I have specifically requested that the new Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee take evidence on Broadband in Scotland and this will be part of our forthcoming business programme."

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