Broadband decision for Barra provision

Northbay on Barra is to be provided with broadband access through an extension of the Connected Communities (ConCom) network which is already providing 930 households with the service across the Outer Hebrides.

At the request of Northbay residents, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) evaluated the merits of procuring an ADSL upgrade for the local telephone exchange, compared to installing an extension of the ConCom wireless network.

HIE chief executive Sandy Cumming explained: "Both the options provide broadly similar levels of benefits, and potentially each demonstrates similar levels of value for money but ConCom can provide Northbay with broadband access by the end of the summer while procurement would take significantly longer.

"The ConCom tariff is not out of line with typical ADSL prices across the Highlands although it is often compared unfavourably with the very lowest ADSL tariffs available nationally. ConCom is, though, currently reviewing its prices and we anticipate a greater range of service options and prices being made available to its customers.

"I'm aware that broadband connection has prompted a lot of debate in Northbay and the options have been closely examined for their relative merits and limitations. This decision is supported by the local authority and the Scottish Government as the best way to deliver broadband to Northbay as soon as possible."

HIE has recently awarded BT the contract to provide an improved 'backhaul' connection to the Outer Hebrides. BT has previously announced plans for a major commercially-driven network upgrade which is expected to bring second generation ADSL broadband to Northbay as part of the company's 21st Century Network programme.

Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan supported HIE's decision to deliver ConCom to Barra this year: "Barra residents want a fast, reliable internet connection available as quickly as possible and at an affordable price. Given that ConCom appear willing to review their pricing and service structure and the connection across the Minch is to be improved, HIE's decision seems to be a sensible way forward until extended choices become commercially viable."

While local Barra councillor Donald Manford said: "Because we live in a distant location, it's all the more important that we have first class telecommunications provision. Having been involved in this matter, I understand why ConCom presents the only option at the present time. I now consider the priority to be getting it installed as quickly as possible so that access to broadband services is provided for those who want it."

Commenting on BT's forthcoming work to upgrade the Outer Hebrides broadband connection cable, director of BT Scotland, Brendan Dick said: "We're pleased to be contributing to the national target of rolling-out broadband provision to some of Scotland's most challenging locations by installing this backhaul service to Connected Communities. We're confident it will provide a high quality, reliable service to the network's users."

Because the Outer Hebrides is distant from main internet connections and the wide distribution of the population across a number of islands, more traditional methods of providing broadband, like cable, are impractical. As a result, wireless is being used to provide broadband across the islands. A small antenna is fixed to the premises from which a cable is connected to the computer with no need to connect to a telephone socket.

HIE and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) are in the process of delivering a second phase of infrastructure to provide wireless broadband services to out-of-reach subscribers and it is anticipated that all the communities in the Outer Hebrides will eventually be connected.

Siteworks and mast builds have taken place at a number of locations in Lewis, Harris and North Uist. Those newly completed and ready for transmission are: In Harris; Geocrab and Liceasto; with Manish; Borrisdale and Ardvey imminent. In Lewis: Valtos; Brenish; Islivig; Mangersta and Geshader. In Uist: Borve Hill, Berneray; Locheport, Cothrom and Locheynort.

Several other sites are awaiting mast builds, mast sharing agreements and planning permission, however, those sites should be ready to be connected by the end of the summer.

Donnie Morrison of HIE, said: "High level broadband is a necessity for future development and underpins our aspirations to grow the economy. This project is developing the concept of a Connected Hebrides - a place which combines quality of life offered by rural living with global connectivity."