Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
PRESS RELEASE
3 September 2001
For Use: Immediately
|
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 3 September 2001 For Use: Immediately | |
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today welcomed plans announced by the Scottish Executive for a 'connected Scotland under new plans to extend access to high speed internet services. Broadband telecommunications services are to be extended in two pathfinder areas - in the south of Scotland and in the Highlands and Islands, including the Western Isles.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Chairman of land Property and Technology, Cllr. Norman L. Macdonald, said:
"The development of hi-tech industries has enabled the Western Isles to compete on a level playing field in recent years. It is now essential that the islands have access to broadband facilities if we are to be able to maintain the momentum of development in the I.T. sector.
"We are therefore pleased that the Scottish Executive proposes to co-ordinate
the aggregated procurement of Broadband Infrastructure for the Public Sector
in the Highlands & Islands and very much welcome the strategy being outlined
"The Comhairle is already part of a multi-agency Broadband working group
committed to the concept of 'Connected Communities' and Broadband issues for
the Western Isles. The group is investigating how best to provide equal access
for all and we welcome the potential that aggregated demand offers as a delivery
mechanism to bring cost effective broadband services to all communities in the
Western Isles."
Ends
Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk