Ross slams 'painfully slow progress' on superfast broadband rollout in Moray
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MORAY MP Douglas Ross has slammed “painfully slow progress” on ensuring his constituency is fully connected to superfast broadband.
His criticism comes after he received a response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request which shows as of 31 October 2023, there are still 4852 premises in Moray waiting to be connected via the Scottish Government’s flagship R100 broadband scheme.
At the same time in 2022 Mr Ross revealed 4888 premises in Moray were waiting to be connected, meaning only 36 have been connected in the space of 12 months.
He went on to brand the number of connections made “astonishingly low”, stating that it highlights the “dismal failure” of the SNP’s scheme which was supposed to deliver in full to households by 2021.
The FOI response shows that Moray will not be fully connected until 2027.
The MP went on to say that these “intolerable delays” are having a “deeply damaging” impact on Moray’s economy and urged SNP ministers to ensure that premises are “brought up to speed” as quickly as possible.
Mr Ross continued: “Progress on ensuring all of Moray is connected to superfast broadband is progressing painfully slowly.
“After uncovering that nearly 4,900 properties were still waiting to be connected at this time of year, it is astonishing that only a further 36 were connected over the course of the last 12 months in Moray.
“That only highlights the continued dismal failure of the SNP’s flagship broadband scheme, which they said they would deliver by 2021.
“Now this Freedom of Information Request shows that Moray won’t be connected until at least 2027.
“These intolerable delays are having a deeply damaging impact on Moray’s economy and putting people off coming here and businesses investing in Moray.
“SNP minsters must urgently outline how they will finally ensure premises are brought up to speed as quickly as possible.”
The figures supplied in response to the FOI request do not differentiate between homes and businesses.
It was further stated in the response: "Homes and businesses that are not in the R100 contracts or commercial build plans, may be eligible for funding through the R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (R100 SBVS).
"Owners and residents can check their eligibility by visiting our address checker at www.scotlandsuperfast.com
"R100 SBVS is a demand led scheme and eligible parties can apply for a voucher at any time by contacting one of the registered suppliers.
"With regards to delivery of the 100 per cent superfast broadband commitment, it is important to note that the policy commitment was to ensure all homes and businesses could access superfast broadband. However, the decision to enter into a contract with an internet service provider for provision of a broadband service is ultimately a matter for each individual property owner or resident to consider.
"We delivered our 100 per cent commitment by ensuring that everyone could access a superfast broadband."
