Wishart leads connectivity debate in the Scottish Parliament

Shetland MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat Beatrice Wishart MSP has today led a debate in the Scottish Parliament on rural and island connectivity.

Ms Wishart highlighted the cumulative impact on rural and island areas of repeatedly being left until last when it comes to the rollout of technologies, from broadband to smart meters.

She emphasised the need for the Scottish and UK Governments to work together to find solutions to problems such as the need to replace old meters before the shutdown of Radio Teleswitch Signal and the need for resilient telecommunications infrastructure in case of power cuts.

During the debate, Ms Wishart said:

“We see that people in rural and island areas are facing a digital divide. Depopulation and enterprise growth will continue to suffer if services and infrastructure continue to be worse off than urban areas.

“What people in rural and island communities seek is parity, and the same opportunities that communities across Scotland already take for granted.

“With a bit of political will between our two governments, it can be achieved.”

Commenting afterward, Ms Wishart said:

“I have heard from constituents whose businesses are suffering due to poor internet connectivity and people who have been waiting four years to get a new meter.

“Much of modern life is increasingly online, and people in rural and island areas are being left behind.

“There also needs to be resilience built into new systems to ensure telecommunications work in the event of power cuts.

“Both of Scotland’s governments need to rethink their attitude towards rural and island connectivity.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The text of Ms Wishart’s motion for debate can be read here.

Ms Wishart’s speech can be viewed here.