Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Next Generation Broadband for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland

9th June 2011

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is taking the first steps towards implementing a transformational project which will deliver access to superfast broadband for homes and businesses across the Highlands and Islands over the next few years.

The agency, working in partnership on the project with the UK Government Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), the Scottish Government and local authorities, has launched a procurement process to appoint a suitably experienced partner to co-invest in the provision of Next Generation Broadband (NGB) services throughout the region.

In October 2010, HIE successfully bid to be one of the initial four rural areas in the UK to receive a funding package from BDUK. The investment is targeted at exploring ways to bring the faster speeds currently being enjoyed primarily in some city locations to more rural areas.

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HIE, said: "Good communication links are a cornerstone in growing attractive, sustainable communities in remote and rural areas. Having faster, reliable broadband links across the world brings with it a whole range of opportunities, both in delivering the services our communities need every day and in the ways we as a region can do business."

The procurement will follow the European-wide OJEU Competitive Dialogue process and HIE expects to sign contracts by July 2012.

The multi-million pound project, which will be delivered in phases, will roll out next generation access to communities and businesses across the Highlands and Islands. Details of the plan will be determined through the procurement process, with confirmation expected shortly after the contract is awarded.

Mr Paterson commented: "Understandably, everyone wants to know if faster broadband capability will reach them. Our ultimate aim is for all our communities to benefit, throughout all parts of the Highlands and Islands. At this first stage we are committed to seeing a fair spread across the region. The winning tender will need to demonstrate the best options for value and reach."

The procurement is part of a wider programme of activity which HIE is leading to maximise the benefits of improved digital connectivity - keeping our region globally accessible and our businesses highly competitive. The desired end results will be sustainable economic growth, improved delivery of public services and stronger communities.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Caithness Fabrication Firm Gears Up For Big ContractsThumbnail for article : Caithness Fabrication Firm Gears Up For Big Contracts
A family run engineering fabrication firm in Caithness is investing in a project to improve productivity, grow business turnover and create new jobs.   Gow's Lybster Limited has been working with development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) over several years to develop its growth plans.  
Scottish Aquaculture Industry Gears Up For Aqua Nor 2025Thumbnail for article : Scottish Aquaculture Industry Gears Up For Aqua Nor 2025
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will return to Norway to host the Scottish Pavilion at Aqua Nor 2025.  The Scottish aquaculture supply chain is invited to register their interest to exhibit as part of the pavilion or join the wider Scottish delegation.  
Dounreay Engineer Wins Young Chemical Engineer Of The YearThumbnail for article : Dounreay Engineer Wins Young Chemical Engineer Of The Year
A young engineer working on Britain's deepest nuclear clean-up project has been recognised by the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).   Liam Gordon (27) won the Young Chemical Engineer of the Year award at the annual showcase event of the Aberdeen branch of IChemE, the professional body for chemical engineers in the UK.  
New Support Programme Launched For Food And Drink SectorThumbnail for article : New Support Programme Launched For Food And Drink Sector
Food and Drink TechHUB will provide financial and advice support to help businesses, including social and community enterprises, with commercial growth and net zero transition activities.   Small to medium sized enterprises in the Highland Council area that operate in the food and drink sector and its supply chain are expected to benefit from a new programme of support launched his week.  
Grants To Help Businesses And Social Enterprises Cut CarbonThumbnail for article : Grants To Help Businesses And Social Enterprises Cut Carbon
Businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands looking to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations can now apply to a new Green Grant Fund launched on Thursday 26 September 2024.   The three-year £2.7m fund was developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).  
HIE Invests In Community Assets In Shetland's Outer IslesThumbnail for article : HIE Invests In Community Assets In Shetland's Outer Isles
A boating club in Unst, a former kirk in Whalsay and a community hall in Fetlar are among projects supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to generate income, provide vital services and create jobs in Shetland's outer isles.   Facilities at the Unst Boating Club are being upgraded to become more energy efficient and accessible to visitors and local people.  
New Fund Announced To Support Growth In Life Sciences SectorThumbnail for article : New Fund Announced To Support Growth In Life Sciences Sector
Up to 50% match funding grants of between £25,000 and £75,000 to help companies accelerate their growth plans.   Life sciences businesses in the Highlands and Islands that are looking to invest in capital growth projects will be able to apply for support through a new fund announced today (18 September).  
John O'Groats Marks 15 Years Of Remarkable TransformationThumbnail for article : John O'Groats Marks 15 Years Of Remarkable Transformation
The transformation at John O'Groats has attracted millions of pounds in investment through private, public and community-led initiatives.   Monday 9 September 2024 marked the 15th anniversary of a masterplan that has helped to transform John O'Groats from ‘Carbuncle of the Year' to a thriving visitor attraction.  
Susan Smith The Chief Executive Of Cairngorm Mountain Scotland Ltd Is RetiringThumbnail for article : Susan Smith The Chief Executive Of Cairngorm Mountain Scotland Ltd Is Retiring
The chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd (CMSL) has announced that she is retiring later this month.   Susan Smith, who has held the top job at the popular mountain resort near Aviemore for the past five years, has told staff she will leave the company at the end of September.  
5/9/2024
Caithness-based Engineering Firm Envision Engineering & Design Ltd Goes For Growth With Latest New EquipmentThumbnail for article : Caithness-based Engineering Firm Envision Engineering & Design Ltd Goes For Growth With Latest New Equipment
Caithness-based engineering firm Envision Engineering & Design Ltd is investing in new technology that will help increase business turnover and productivity while cutting carbon emissions.   The company has purchased a Leica Geosystems mobile 3D scanner after securing a £6,390 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the total cost of £21,300.