Digital access. Applying for jobs, joining clubs or local events, finding out about social security, accessing digital healthcare or getting information on all aspects of life – access to the internet is becoming vital. Greens will seek to ensure that digital access is available for all.
High speed broadband. Vast areas of Scotland still do not have reliable access to broadband. Households and businesses throughout Scotland should have the opportunity to connect for both social, health and economic reasons. We will continue to support the Scottish Government in its endeavour to have fibre broadband reach 95% of Scotland by March 2018 and will push for faster action on the remaining 5% – the most remote and hard-to-reach places.
Improving IT skills. The digital technology industry generates £5 billion per year for our economy. However, many firms have expressed difficulty in finding people with the right skills. Not only that, but having the appropriate skills would allow more people to participate in digital life. Green MSPs would call for transferable digital skills to be taught in schools and for businesses to better engage with the education sector on the issue.