Scottish Affairs Committee launches inquiry into rural digital connectivity  

The Scottish Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into how digital connectivity can be improved across rural and remote parts of Scotland.  

The Westminster committee's inquiry will look at the rollout of broadband and mobile connectivity effectiveness in Scotland, as well as the co-ordination between UK and Scottish governments connectivity programmes.    

“In today’s world, most aspects of life rely on fast and reliable broadband and mobile connection, with key services increasingly being offered online,” said Patricia Ferguson, chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee. “A good internet connection is vital, but Scotland’s digital connectivity continues to lag behind other countries in Britain.”

Whilst broadband connectivity has improved in Scotland over the recent years, it continues to lag behind England and Wales. 

This is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where only 42 per cent of Scotland’s residential properties have access to full-fibre broadband, compared to the UK rural average of 52 per cent. 

Mobile phone connectivity has also experienced challenges. In Scotland, 11 per cent of the country has no access to a 4G connection, more than double the UK average of 5 per cent.  

“Scots in rural and island areas are particularly affected by this, as infrastructure delivery is complex and costly,” said Ferguson. “It's crucial that broadband in Scotland can improve to reach further into remote areas of the country, to help local communities access the vital services and help drive their local economies forward.”

The inquiry will look at the potential transitional impact as services like the Radio Teleswitch Service are phased out. It will also look at how alternative connectivity solutions like satellite-based services could be implemented to reach remote areas of Scotland.  

In July, plans to install hundreds of mobile masts across rural Scotland to improve connectivity were scaled back, following pressure from local communities and nature groups. 

The Shared Rural Network project was expected to deliver 258 4G masts across remote areas of the country in a bid to bridge the connectivity gap. But under revised plans, this has been reduced to just 44 masts.

The committee also announced the launch of a survey to “hear directly” from those living with connectivity issues across Scotland, particularly in rural and remote areas.  

“We want to learn how connectivity issues might be impacting their everyday life and what they think needs to be changed, to ensure that the Scottish people can have their voices heard,” said Ferguson.

The survey is currently available online, with plans to include physical copies in libraries and community centres across rural Scotland in place.