A scheme to bring wireless broadband to the Highlands and Islands has faced opposition from residents of the island of Barra, reports the BBC.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which is supporting the Connected Communities scheme, has confirmed that it is dealing with complaints from those who would rather the money was spent on upgrading telephone exchanges.

It has been argued that upgrading the exchanges could mean that BT would be able to provide "cheaper and faster internet services".

The Scottish government told the corporation that it believed broadband was an "increasingly vital tool" for business, as well as for education as higher broadband widths are being offered as part of the Pathfinder for schools project.

Connected Communities will affect the islands of Lewis, Harrid, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra by providing "high performance broadband wireless networks".

Increased employment in internet-based jobs in the Western Isles prompted the scheme, which started to deliver services in autumn 2005.

Monday, 11th February 2008

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