Plans to improve web connections revealed
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ALVAH and Forglen residents who have endured poor internet connections received an update recently on broadband roll-out for the Aberdeenshire Council region.
The public meeting, which was organised by the community council, was led by Roddy Matheson, who has been spearheading the broadband project for the local authority.
It provided locals with an opportunity to find out more about the council’s plans for the next two years, particularly the installation of the fast fibre optic connections.
He told the meeting: "By the end of 2017 it is aimed to provide every household and business premises in Aberdeenshire with the opportunity to access fibre optic broadband, or if they are unable to receive this, another solution.
"The best alternative option available at the moment is a satellite connection.
"Properties deemed unable to receive a fibre connection will be provided with a voucher for satellite installation. The owner decides what they want, which provider they want to go with and what package to move forward with."
He added that in 2012 most of Aberdeenshire had no fibre optic cables, as BT argued that it was not commercially viable.
This changed when Aberdeenshire Council received £16 million of investment from a £50 million Scottish Government pot.
By March 2015, 80 cabinets across the region had been installed to allow fibre optic broadband.
Rural areas, such as Alvah and Forglen, have an issue as they are not connected to street cabinets and have exchange only lines.
"A start has been made on upgrading 30,000 exchange only lines," he said.
"Additional funding of £19.9 million has been allocated to Scotland from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to extend the fibre network and Aberdeenshire will benefit from this money later this year.
"The prediction is that more than 90% of Aberdeenshire will have fibre cover."
To check if you will be able to receive fibre optic broadband can visit www.digitalscotland.org/superfast-broadband/
