Ofcom and the UK government have been criticised by Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson for failing to be ambitious enough with their super-fast mobile broadband plans.

Communications regulator Ofcom recently announced that network operators must deliver 4G mobile broadband services to 98 per cent of the UK - three percentage points more than had originally been proposed.

However, concerns exist that much of the remaining two per cent could be found in rural parts of Scotland.

If this proves to be the case, it could deal a blow to the Scottish government's ambitious plan to bring super-fast broadband with speeds of up to 80Mbps to between 85 and 90 per cent of homes and businesses by 2015.

According to the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald, Mr Thompson pointed out that without widespread 4G coverage, Scotland will need to rely on alternative technologies such as slower satellite links or "ridiculously expensive" fibre optic broadband rollouts if all residents are to enjoy the benefits of next-generation connectivity.

Consequently, the MSP called for Ofcom to ensure 4G is made available to 98 per cent of Scotland, not just the UK as a whole.

He revealed a spokesman from telecoms firm Arqiva warned that under the current proposals, only 90 per cent of Scotland may be included in 4G broadband rollouts.

Mr Thompson explained: "That missing ten per cent would predominantly be found in the country's sparsely-populated and difficult to cover areas, such as the west Highlands and Islands.

"That is why I believe that the Scottish parliament must press for the 98 per cent target to be met in each of the devolved nations too, but unfortunately that is a matter reserved to Westminster."

To fulfil its broadband goals, the Scottish government is hoping to secure investment totalling hundreds of millions of pounds from the public and private sectors.

Some £185 million of funding from public bodies has already been identified.

Add a comment

Comment

Your name

Your e-mail address

Comments (0)