Internet voucher scheme extended to help areas get online as delivery of R100 still expected to lag years behind deadline
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A national voucher scheme helping people access superfast broadband is being extended by three months as the R100 programme aimed at delivering superfast broadband continues its super slow rollout.
R100 was to reach all premises with superfast broadband by May but it has been hit by severe delays and work only really started this year amid acrimony over the contract award process.
A stop-gap voucher scheme to boost broadband speeds through satellites, mobile and wireless solutions for homes and businesses unable to access fast internet speeds has been extended to March 31 next year.
Vouchers worth up to £400 for internet costs are available and for those in the hardest-to-reach areas an additional £250 can be sought.
Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “The pandemic has reinforced the necessity for everyone to have access to fast, reliable broadband, whether for work, business, or their personal use.
“We will make sure everyone – regardless of where they live – has access to an acceptable level of connectivity so they can be part of the digital world.
“Extending the voucher scheme will help ensure no-one is excluded while we continue to roll out superfast broadband solutions across Scotland.
“Accessing fast and reliable broadband has never been so important and for our more rural communities it is vital.
“That is why the Scottish Government is making substantial investments in digital infrastructure to ensure all of Scotland has access to high speed internet.”
