The contract to deliver superfast broadband to the Highlands and Islands has finally been signed by the SNP Government and BT Openreach.
The SNP promised at the last election to ensure every property in Scotland was connected to superfast broadband before the next Scottish election. That promise was broken after numerous delays to the signing of the £384 million contract.
Highland regional MSP Edward Mountain welcomed the news but said it comes far too late as many in the north will go without proper broadband for another six to seven years.
Edward Mountain MSP said:
“At long last and after years of delay, I am pleased to see that the SNP Government has finally signed the contract to deliver broadband to the Highlands," he said.
"The SNP promised to deliver this by 2021 but they are on course to break that promise.
"It is more likely that Highlanders will have to wait until 2026 or 2027 for a reliable internet connection.
"Work should have started years ago to deliver broadband which, as the pandemic has highlighted, Highlanders need now more than ever.”
