Angus co-operative bids to bring fibre-optic broadband to glens
Angus glens residents are driving ahead a campaign to bring high- speed broadband to the rural area.
- By Graham Brown
- Published in the Courier : 18.08.10
- Published online : 18.08.10 @ 11.53am
In what is believed to be the first scheme of its kind for an area of such size in the UK a residents' co-operative has been set up to ensure the glens are not left behind Scotland's towns and cities in technology terms.
Almost 2500 homes and businesses in the glens have been contacted ahead of a series of open meetings when the details of a specially commissioned report will be outlined to locals. It has recommended a fibre-optic network as the best future-proof solution for broadband provision in the glens but although such a system is expected to meet community needs 20 or 30 years down the line the cost would be substantial.
Next week's meetings are being staged at the Retreat in Glen Esk on Monday, Memus Hall the following day and Glenisla Hall on Thursday.
A survey form seeking local information also been posted on the group's website at www.angusbroadband.coop and the group is hopeful that residents will turn out to discuss the project and join the campaign for improved technology.
Angus Broadband Co-operative Ltd director and secretary Geoff Hobson said, "Current broadband access in the glens is rather patchy. Those close to telephone exchanges may get a connection meeting the minimum 2Mbps broadband set by the Digital Britain Report.
"Others further from the exchange are lucky to receive even a very basic 0.5Mbps service and some are only able to get a dial-up connection."
He added, "The Scottish Government's Broadband Reach project has made some improvements. However, as this is delivered by satellite it is less reliable than a fixed-line connection.
"In order to pursue setting up a fibre broadband network the group formed Angus Broadband Co-operative Limited as a community owned co-op.
"This means that ownership and control are retained within the local community and all profits will be reinvested in the project or paid to members as a dividend. All members running the co-op at present are unpaid volunteers."
The detailed plan drawn up for fibre-optic coverage — which could bring 100Mbps — includes every property in the areas of Kirriemuir Landward West, Kirriemuir Landward East and Inveresk Community Councils. Grant funding has already been obtained from Angus Council, Rural Tayside LEADER and the Kirriemuir Landward West and Landward East Community Councils.
"The provision of high-speed next generation broadband in the glens will help sustain their economic and social viability," Mr Hobson said.
"It will allow glens-based businesses to survive and thrive and would assist the provision of services such as tele-health care, where a resident could consult with their GP via high-quality video conferencing rather than make a round trip of 40 miles or more."
Photo used under a Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user Gavin St. Ours.
09.00am - 19.08.2010 PhilT - Peterborough, uk Report This
I would expect that anyone within a mile of a telephone exchange gets an 8M connection, let alone 2M.<br /> How much is the coop looking to raise from public funds and in total ?
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