Pathfinder North Implementation Project Completed

18th February 2010

Pathfinder progress update report - Resources Committee
Members of The Highland Council's Resources Committee on 17 February 2010 have welcomed the completion of the £70 million Pathfinder North Broadband Project, which is one of the largest local government shared services projects in the UK and is also one of the largest collaborative broadband procurements in Europe.

The Pathfinder North Broadband Project will provide high capacity broadband links to 801 schools, libraries and other local authority buildings throughout the Highlands and Islands.

The end of implementation phase marks a major milestone for the five local authorities involved in the project including lead authority The Highland Council and Moray, Argyll and Bute Councils and Orkney and Shetland Islands Councils.

Councillor Carolyn Wilson, Chairman of The Highland Council's Resources Committee, said: "The Pathfinder North scheme represents a major investment in rural locations, which depend so heavily on good communications. The provision of high-speed broadband services is great news both for our teams and the people they support, who have access to our community schools, libraries and offices. We are looking forward to using the network to the best of its capability, ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of all the communities we serve."

An evaluation of the Pathfinder Project will be undertaken between March and June 2010 in order to promote transparency and accountability; provide a valuable opportunity for the stakeholders to re-examine and learn from the development process as well as provide information for future projects and policy development.