Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has welcomed Scotland’s first internet exchange but remains sceptical to its worth for rural internet users.
According to ministers, internet access will become faster and more efficient with the launch of a new exchange this week.
The vast majority of Scotland's internet traffic currently goes through London, which can cause delays online.
The new IXP will mean that it will be easier for internet service providers in Scotland to pass traffic to each other and it could reduce internet delays by up to 75%, according to the Scottish Government.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said;
“A dedicated internet exchange in Scotland will no doubt improve the speed of internet communications for many, but I remain cautious as to the impact it will have for rural residents.
“The Scottish Government must drive improvements to digital infrastructure in rural Scotland, not just our major towns and cities.
“Within my own region, residents routinely deal with slow or non-existent broadband coverage. A recent survey on mobile phone reception showed Perth and Kinross to be among the most poorly served areas in the UK, this along with substandard broadband coverage is holding back economic development within the region.”