Concern has been expressed over the fact that various rural locations across the Argyll area are unable to receive fibre broadband, despite repeated pledges by the SNP Government to ensure 100% superfast broadband access by 2021.

Following a recent written question tabled by Donald Cameron MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity Fergus Ewing admitted that various telephone exchanges, including five sites on the Isle of Mull, and several mainland sites including Tayinloan and Bonawe, are not equipped to deliver fibre broadband.

Back in December 2017, Fergus Ewing MSP said:

“Now that the coverage footprint of DSSB (Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband) is known, it makes sense to launch a new procurement, which we will do in the coming weeks. Crucially, we are doing this to deliver our commitment to 100% superfast broadband access by 2021”.

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron said:

“It is clear that the SNP have set an ambitious target, but they will never meet that target if the existing infrastructure is not fit for purpose.

The SNP have been so dismal at delivering broadband that the UK Government are going to start working directly with local councils like Argyll and Bute Council to get the ball rolling again.  

Far too many rural areas are still without fibre broadband, and warm words from the SNP Government will do little to give local people and businesses confidence that they can access the superfast speeds that Central Belt communities are now accustom to.”