MSP encouraged by Community Broadband action

13th November 2012

Highlands & Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has welcomed the launch of a community broadband initiative – Community Broadband Scotland (CBS) – which will act as a one-stop-shop for all community broadband needs – supporting rural communities to find solutions to the challenges of rural broadband delivery. As part of the Scottish Government’s CBS initiative a £5m ‘Rural Seed Fund’ is being established to invest in community projects over the next three years.

Mrs Grant said “The initiative will provide advice and support to communities and, crucially, £5m of funding. I understand six communities will be chosen imminently as part of the Pioneer Phase of the project but that funding will then be available to other communities from around April next year and I would urge communities who have a solution in mind, or who want to seek a solution, to make early contact with CBS to try to secure some of this funding. Communities seeking advice can call the CBS helpline on 0800 917 3688 or check out the website at www.communitybroadbandscotland.org

Mrs Grant said “I am encouraged that, after many years of lobbying for better rural broadband services, progress is now being made. The CBS initiative, coupled with the Highlands & Islands superfast broadband pilot will make a real difference to communities, businesses and individuals throughout the Highlands & Islands and I very much hope the finer detail of the superfast pilot will be known soon.”