Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has said the announcement of full fibre broadband roll-out across Perth and Kinross is “long overdue.”
The politician was reacting to the recent announcement that Open Reach will install full fibre broadband to around 60,000 premises in Mid Scotland and Fife – the region represented by Mr Fraser, as part of a national programme.
Eleven exchanges in Perth and Kinross are set to be upgraded as part of the work, including those at Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Coupar Angus.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “Whilst this news has to be welcomed, this move is long overdue. Lack of broadband or poor broadband is still one of the main issues I receive complaints about from constituents, particularly in east Perthshire and Highland Perthshire.
“The Scottish Government’s flagship R (Reaching) 100 Broadband programme has been beset by delays and in April, we heard that that the Northern contract of the R100 project, which includes Highland Perthshire, had been pushed back to 2026, which is just ridiculous.
“Fast reliable broadband is badly needed now for many residents and businesses with many people continuing to work from home. There has never been a better time to roll out full fibre broadband across the country - especially to rural areas which have either been without broadband or had to suffer a very poor, slow service.”