Tackling the barriers to broadband access
The Scottish Greens today (4 April) said a bigger group of Green MSPs in the next session of parliament would tackle the problem of broadband internet access in rural Scotland and support community providers to deliver more connections by ending the monopoly of BT.
The party, which is polling strongly on the regional vote, suggesting Green MSPs will be returned from across the eight regions, believes that establishing better connected communities is a key driver for future prosperity.
Sarah Beattie-Smith, Infrastructure and Investment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP candidate for South of Scotland, said:
"The people of Scotland should be able to choose where they want to live, and providing equal online access is part of that. Scottish Greens believe Scotland can provide equal access but we need a bolder parliament with more Green voices to speak up for rural communities.
"Using technology can ensure even the most remote areas of Scotland can participate in the digital economy. It also opens up social and learning opportunities.
"Vast areas of Scotland such as the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway still do not have reliable access to broadband. The rollout is currently dominated by BT, which is many areas is just not moving fast enough. Greens would shift resources to community broadband providers.
"Broadband access is good for everyone and Greens want to tackle the barriers, such as BT's monopoly. We will push for Holyrood to be bolder, give more support to community broadband and ensure minimum guaranteed speeds meet modern needs."