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Scotland urged to reform broadband
Monday 16th August 2010, by Daniel King
Scotland should develop a clear strategic framework for broadband services in the country, a new report has recommended.
Reform Scotland suggested that the government north of the border must set out targets for digital usage and literacy.
Almost a fifth of Scotland's home and business broadband users are geographically located too far from the nearest exchange, the thinktank said.
This means that they would be unable to receive the bare minimum speeds of 2Mbps, a target that has been laid out in the Digital Economy Act.
In addition, the report claimed that the majority of the ten per cent of consumers who will not be able to access upgraded broadband capabilities are located in Scotland.
"We recommend that the Scottish government recognises that Scotland needs a plan which reflects the Digital Britain objectives, but which takes proper account of distinctly Scottish issues, such as the extensive rural landscape," the thinktank argued.
It added: "The internet is increasingly the preferred transport network for information, entertainment and communication and it is important that those in poorer or remote areas, who may already suffer from social exclusion, do not become further isolated."
The Digital Economy Act was launched in Westminster earlier this year.
Key targets include making internet access a universal service across the nation and ensuring homes and businesses receive speeds of at least 2Mbps by 2015.
Another major pledge listed in the legislation is providing 50Mbps services to 90 per cent of the nation by 2017.
Reform Scotland said: "The UK government has recently announced plans for more ambitious broadband coverage and speeds and Scotland must have its own plan to ensure maximum benefit for all of its citizens."
Categories: Broadband
