Broadband Boost For Scottish Highlands

Proving that there is nowhere in Britain that can't benefit from modern technology, Three's Rural Broadband Working Group, a UK-wide initiative which works with local politicians to identify areas with a need for broadband, is providing free access to high-speed broadband for rural areas in the Scottish Highlands.

Three said it is bringing almost four million megabytes of mobile broadband to people and businesses in the northern coastal areas of Melvich and Durness, as well as connecting the port in Invergordon.
The project will give away 20 devices to community hubs, families and local businesses, providing around three million web pages-worth of free access. This is the first time that the group has operated in Scotland and will see sites such as a community hall, a hotel and two cafes benefit from connection.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The numerous educational, economic and social benefits brought about by high-speed internet are often slower to come to rural areas such as the Highlands, so initiatives like this are crucial.

"This is all part of a longer-term commitment to ensuring Scotland enjoys a world-class digital infrastructure across the entire country by 2020."

Speaking on behalf of Three, chief executive Dave Dyson said, “"With the Highlands having some of the most remote areas in Europe, these communities often don't have access to the benefits of high-speed broadband. We have built a network specifically for the internet and are passionate about using this to connect people wherever they are, whether this is in the Highlands or towns and cities around the UK."

There was obviously a positive response from the people who will benefit from this largesse, and Kevin Arrowsmith, of Durness Development Group voiced the views of all of them when he said,
"Internet access is absolutely key to the economic and social well-being of Highland communities which are otherwise disadvantaged by their extremely remote location, so the more broadband we can get the better."