Superfast broadband rollout in Baldernock was handed a boost last week as local MSP Rona Mackay raised the issue in a Parliamentary Question to the Minister responsible for connectivity. Baldernock Community Council and residents have been campaigning for improved coverage for the area during the R100 rollout programme for some time. Concerns had been raised that, due to incorrect data collection as part of the rollout, residents might miss out. In a topical exchange with Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Ms Mackay raised the issue of the importance of correct data being registered.
Ms Mackay told the Minister: “My constituents in Baldernock have been patiently waiting for a fibre broadband connection for many years and are finally on course to receive it.
“However, there have been delays due to incorrect data being collected, and data collection is crucial in the R100 procurement stages. Can the Minister confirm, with some urgency, whether that issue has been looked at, in order to allow households to take advantage of the voucher scheme and finally get connected?
Mr Wheelhouse replied: “Whilst 97 per cent of premises in Strathkelvin and Bearsden can already access a superfast broadband connection, specific attention will be given to Baldernock. “I reassure Ms Mackay that the R100 team is speaking to the community council and broadband providers in the area to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
“She should rest assured that any premises that find themselves outside the coverage of a commercial provider can get superfast broadband through the R100 Scottish broadband voucher scheme. I look forward to keeping in touch with Ms Mackay on the matter.”
Ms Mackay added: “I’m delighted to have secured this reassurance and support for the residents of Baldernock. I know how hard the community council have worked to ensure everyone can get signed up to superfast broadband and no one missed out on this ambitious Scottish Government programme. “It’s imperative, especially as more and more people work from home, that we can rely on accessible broadband for everyone. It’s incredible that over 97% of Strathkelvin and Bearsden already have access to the programme and I’m glad to have secured a specific focus on this part of my constituency.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
You can view the exchange in the Scottish Parliament here