Highlands and Islands region bags £120m broadband funding
The Scottish government has announced £120 million of funding to support the deployment of super-fast broadband throughout the Highlands and Islands.
A wide range of technologies are expected to be used in the rollout, including the installation of underground and sub-sea cables to connect island communities.
About 99 per cent of local properties can currently receive basic broadband, but this project will give some of Scotland's most rural areas access to next-generation connectivity for the first time.
BT is currently in talks with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) regarding the delivery of the necessary infrastructure improvements.
The telecoms giant is the only company left in the running for the super-fast broadband contract, after Cable and Wireless, Fujitsu and Commendium all opted to pull out of the race.
Alex Paterson, chief executive of HIE, said the funding has put the region on track to deliver the UK's largest and most challenging rural broadband project.
"By bringing together the expertise and investment of both the private and public sector, we want to roll out a service which will change the face of the region," he commented.
