There is huge demand for
next-generation broadband in Scotland, although like the rest
of the UK there is a severe shortage of fibre connectivity to the
home to allow it.
More than three quarters (84%) of the online population in
Scotland want high speed downloads, and even more (87%) would like
TV and films on demand, according to a survey commissioned by Mott
MacDonald, a management and engineering consultancy.
Yet less than 0.01% of households in the UK have a fibre network
to the home, which would allow access to next-generation broadband
to deliver these services, compared to 7% in Norway and 37% in
South Korea.
The survey of 1,030 adults in Scotland, conducted online by
YouGov, also highlighted that Scots want access to online services
such as video calls (63%) and remote healthcare (61%). In addition,
two thirds (71%) would like high speed broadband to access virtual
learning tools.
Tom Allen, director of the information, communications and media
division at Mott MacDonald, said, "Although BT has announced plans
to invest £1.5bn to build a high-speed fibre access network to
deliver broadband services across the UK, it brings up questions on
its suitability to Scotland.
"With its own government, Scotland has the power to invest in
its own fibre network, and the strong central belt [including
Glasgow and Edinburgh] provides an area rich with urban
developments and businesses making a publicly owned venture
worthwhile."
He said, "The roll-out of
high-speed broadband is going to be key to the future of the
Scottish economy. It will allow the country's businesses to grow
and innovate and give households the access to the information and
services that other countries already receive."