Digital Connectivity

Residents and businesses across Orkney are being urged to investigate opportunities to access faster broadband through a Scottish Government initiative.

The Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme ensures that all premises in Scotland can access superfast broadband – speeds of at least 30 Megabits per second. The £600m broadband infrastructure programme includes the R100 contracts, which will see over 3,318 homes and business in Orkney benefit from full fibre, which is over 30 times faster than the original commitment.

For those residents not in R100 contract or commercial build plans the R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme offers a subsidy of up to £5,000 to access a faster broadband solution, of which there are around 940 eligible premises in Orkney.

While there is no deadline for the vouchers, Orkney Islands Council is keen to get the eligible homes and businesses that haven’t claimed it to start investigating the possibilities of an improved service, with a range of solutions available.

Ewan Kennedy (Graduate Trainee Digital Engagement & Enterprise) at OIC explained: “Staff can ensure all options are explored for every location in Orkney, which could mean full fibre broadband, fixed wireless broadband, satellite broadband or mobile broadband. With access to a huge amount of data and information, our staff are well placed to support any residents with information and advice to secure faster broadband solutions.

“Better digital connectivity across Orkney is a key part of our Council Plan and is vital for both regional economic development and for our residents and communities.

“The Council appreciates that for many residents this is a hugely technical subject. We are here to help people understand the broadband voucher scheme and to advise how to proceed, should someone wish to apply for a voucher.”

If anyone would like to find out more information about the R100 scheme in Orkney or their digital connectivity in general, please contact Orkney Islands Council at digital@orkney.gov.uk, Ewan Kennedy at 01856 873 535 Ext: 3668 or visit orkney.gov.uk/digital-connectivity