£120m funding to supply superfast broadband to Highlands and Islands

Broadband: The service will connect rural communities.STV

The government has promised £120m to help supply superfast broadband to the Highlands and Islands.

Around 99% of the population in rural areas already have basic broadband but the funding will allow a faster connection to be supplied.

In order for this to happen, underground cables will have to be installed, with some going under the sea to connect to the islands.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) are already in talks with BT about delivering the service to communities and the funding will allow them to carry out the plans.

The funding, announced on Monday, was welcomed by rural communities.

Alex Paterson, chief executive of HIE, said: "This funding puts the Highlands and Islands on track to deliver the largest and most challenging rural broadband project in the UK.

“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.

“Businesses and communities will see benefits where they matter most including in education, in supporting healthcare services and by opening up new markets. Our ultimate aim is for all parts of the Highlands and Islands to benefit and this news brings us a step closer to our goal."

Alex Neil, Infrastructure Secretary, said: "Everybody in the Highlands and Islands recognises the importance of access to superfast broadband, not just for the future of our local economies but indeed for the future of our children, for our education, our health and every aspect of life in the modern world.

"Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which is currently in discussion with BT, has been a driving force in developing a project to find solutions to the challenges of bringing next generation access to businesses and communities in the region. I am pleased to see a continuing commitment to work with local authorities across the region to make sure that by working in partnership, we are truly able to meet the ambitions of local people and businesses.

"Whether it's a small business competing in the global market through the use of superfast broadband, or whether it's the granny and grandpa talking to their grandchildren in New Zealand, superfast broadband can change the lives of people for the better in these rural communities."

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