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Former First Minister launches broadband campaign

Alex Salmond
Alex Salmond

A former First Minister has today announced that he is launching a campaign to bring high-speed broadband to rural homes.

Alex Salmond, MP for Gordon, has said that internet speeds can vary in his constituency despite broadband having been extended to more than 80% of homes in the area.

He has now held meetings with representatives from BT and Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB), to query the timeline of a roll-out of services across his patch.

Mr Salmond will also talk to mobile telephone provider EE, which intends to extend into the north-east in the New Year.

Last night, he said broadband was a “fundamental service” that homes and businesses required.

“Broadband coverage is crucial for rural communities and businesses across Gordon where it’s vitally important to keep people connected and thereby build a strong economy,” he added.

“The Scottish Government’s ambition for Scotland is to have superfast broadband to 95% of premises by the end of 2017 and to 100% by 2021.

“Improving mobile coverage is also a priority, which is essential for making our wonderful villages a location of choice for families to live and work.

“I will continue to press both BT and DSSB hard in my regular meetings and contact with them, to ensure that quality super fast broadband services are provided as quickly as possible to the people and communities of Gordon.

“Our connectivity for Gordon campaign is crucial for the prosperity of this area.”

High speed broadband connectivity has eluded rural communities in recent years.

In some cases, community groups have formed to press the issue with providers.

And earlier this year, Alvah and Forglen community council outlined the problem facing local people gaining access to the internet in a letter to the Scottish Parliament’s rural economy and connectivity committee.