By: MarkJ - 31 January, 2012 (2:54 PM) - Score: 3899 - Fixed Line Broadband
The Scottish Government has today released its national broadband plan, 'Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan', which sets out how they aim to deliver "world-class digital access" to all of Scotland by 2020; with an interim milestone of delivering superfast broadband ("40-80Mbps") to 85-90% of premises by 2015.In recent months Scotland has faced criticism for moving too slowly and today's effort can be seen as an attempt to rectify that, although there's no escaping the fact that work in Wales and England appears to be at a more advanced stage. Funding for the work is expected to come from several primary sources.
Breakdown of Scotland's Broadband FundingFurthermore Scotland can expect extra cash from the UK Government's £100m Urban Broadband Fund and £150m Mobile Infrastructure Project, although related distributions have yet to be clarified. It will also be seeking more money from the post 2013 EU programme and "future spending reviews".
* £68.8m from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK)
* £79.5m from the Scottish Government
* £25.5m from Europe (possible maximum)
The Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) office, which aims for 90% of people in the United Kingdom to be within reach of a superfast (24Mbps+) service by 2015 (the last 10% will get at least 2Mbps), can also expect another knock at the door due to Scotland's "particular geographic and technical challenges". Not to mention that local councils will be expected to help out and the private sector must match any public investment.
The Infrastructure Action Plan reveals that Scotland aims to release a procurement strategy by March 2012, with actual tenders commencing by September 2012. The contracts themselves are anticipated to be awarded during the first half of 2013.
Alex Neil MSP, Scotlands Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, said:
"This action plan outlines our commitment to a world-class, future proofed infrastructure that will deliver digital connectivity across the whole of Scotland by 2020. The purpose of this plan is to deliver a step change in people's ability to access the internet, enabling people to connect from their homes, businesses and while on the move. A world-class digital infrastructure for Scotland must deliver in terms of speed and ease of access, geographical coverage, and price and choice of provision for consumers. We recognise it is particularly critical for rural and remote communities to be digitally connected in terms of economic viability and growth.
This commitment will make a major contribution to the Government's purpose of making Scotland a more successful country, with opportunities for all to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.
Improvements to our digital infrastructure are essential if we are to maintain and improve the ability of our businesses to compete in a global market place; be successful in attracting inward investment; transform the delivery of public services; respond to the challenges of a low carbon economy and have vibrant, strong and connected communities in our cities, towns and rural areas."
"This action plan outlines our commitment to a world-class, future proofed infrastructure that will deliver digital connectivity across the whole of Scotland by 2020. The purpose of this plan is to deliver a step change in people's ability to access the internet, enabling people to connect from their homes, businesses and while on the move. A world-class digital infrastructure for Scotland must deliver in terms of speed and ease of access, geographical coverage, and price and choice of provision for consumers. We recognise it is particularly critical for rural and remote communities to be digitally connected in terms of economic viability and growth.
This commitment will make a major contribution to the Government's purpose of making Scotland a more successful country, with opportunities for all to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.
Improvements to our digital infrastructure are essential if we are to maintain and improve the ability of our businesses to compete in a global market place; be successful in attracting inward investment; transform the delivery of public services; respond to the challenges of a low carbon economy and have vibrant, strong and connected communities in our cities, towns and rural areas."
The plan claims that it will "specify a technology neutral approach with a mix of solutions" in order to deliver broadband speeds of 40–80Mbps to 85-90% of "premises". This vaguely includes "putting in place measures to ensure an uplift in service can be delivered to the remaining 15%".
It's perhaps worth pointing out that Scotland's Highlands & Islands region has already picked BT as their supplier, which was due to the fact that BT's rivals withdrew from the process (here). At the time Fujitsu told ISPreview.co.uk that the "sums simply did not stack up". Many expect BT to win the bulk of public funding and the Scotland's use of BT-friendly FTTC speed figures like "40-80Mbps" will do little to change that opinion.
Scotland, a mostly rural country, now faces an extremely difficult challenge in meeting its objectives but it has at least begun moving in the direct direction.
Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/1487
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Comments: 44
DeductionPosted: 31 January, 2012 - 4:11 PM
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quote"deliver "world-class digital access" to all of Scotland by 2020"
Good luck to whoever is going to be digging up the hills of the Shetland Islands to provide fred who lives 50 miles away from the nearest person next gen broadband. They have 2 chances of that.... Both not suitable for posting here.
MarkJPosted: 31 January, 2012 - 4:17 PM
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Shetland has it's own separate fibre optic plans.
http://www.ispreview.co.uk/story/2011/08/31/shetland-islands-begin-laying-superfast-fibre-optic-broadband-cable-to
-scalloway.html
DeductionPosted: 31 January, 2012 - 4:30 PM
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Hmm interesting.......
http://www.shetlandtele.com/drupal/node/8
Do they have a wholesale division to get BDUK funds???
I assume they have to otherwise the disinformation about BDUK money spread by some over the past week you would have removed from the site MarkJ???
What?Posted: 31 January, 2012 - 5:30 PM
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Wait, but, would the UK still provide funding if Scotland had independence?
DeductionPosted: 31 January, 2012 - 5:39 PM
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I doubt if anyone including the British, Scotish or EU governments have thought about that. Regardless according to information by some with very close ties to BT, people awarded BDUK funding are supposed to have a wholesale division, so im curious now if that is true. If it is not true then im curious why the lies have not been removed from this site, yet other remarks made against those lies were removed. Hopefully MarkJ will look into the matter for accuracy sakes and the reputation of this site reporting and allowing accurate statements by its users.
MarkJPosted: 31 January, 2012 - 6:40 PM
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So far as I can recall firms that win BDUK funding must offer open access to their network and I don't think we've ever said any different to what has been announced, unless the government has changed its position.
It sounds like you might be rambling on about news comments again, the content of which are all other people's personal opinions and not remotely ISPr official content. It's the same on any site from the BBC to The Telegraph. If you don't troll and post abuse towards others then generally comments won't get removed.
DeductionPosted: 31 January, 2012 - 7:00 PM
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Shetland Telecom do not wholesale their services do they?
The only trolling and inaccurate comments appear to be from those posting remarks in more than one story insisting the BDUK funding comes under EU rule and that any tender must have a wholesale solution.
Can you confirm or deny the accuracy of these statements for the benefit of readers of your site MarkJ and confirm or deny who Sheland telecom (if anyone) they wholesale their products to.
For the sake of reputation of the site perhaps its best if we clear up rules about BDUK funds and who is entitled to them right here to avoid confusing your core readers.
Asking for accuracy in news and comments on news is not trolling, is it? I would like to think you are a man of integrity and any untruthful remarks you would remove from your site. Forgive me if i am wrong in that assumption.
MarkJPosted: 31 January, 2012 - 7:37 PM
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I don't have time. Ask them yourself. We just report on their fibre installation developments. BDUK isn't really relevant either as I don't believe they've had any money from that, yet. Lord knows I have no desire to get involved in the complex nature of EU funding sources and rules either, I'm not a lawyer, and would rather protect my sanity.
Aye BinPosted: 31 January, 2012 - 7:56 PM
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Sorry guys but the idiosyncratic islanders of Scotland have never had it so good compared with the Borders villages for whom BT has no plans at all. These small places will be left surrounded by 'proper' broadband while keeping their paraffin-fueled 512k routers slowly ticking over as they fight a contention rate of 60:1 on a 2MB link.
SledgehammerPosted: 31 January, 2012 - 10:22 PM
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90% of us are likely to have access to a fibre service by 2015.
The rest will have to make do with what's left.
If by 2015 the number of people using a fibre service is only around 2 to 6 million the whole exercise of BDUK and all other funding is likely to turn out as a waste of time, money and effort for such a low uptake of a new service.
In conclusion come 2015 we are all going to be in a similar position as we are today, haves and havenots be it with some faster speeds for the haves.
New_LondonerPosted: 1 February, 2012 - 5:29 PM
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"90% of us are likely to have access to a fibre service by 2015. The rest will have to make do with what's left."
Isn't this analogous to sewerage, mains water etc? Anyone know how the % compare for these services?
SledgehammerPosted: 1 February, 2012 - 9:20 PM
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@ new londoner
While 90% may have access to a fibre service NOT everyone will take it up. If and its a BIG IF Bt manage to get anywhere between 2 to 6 million people to take the service they will be very lucky.
As to sewerage and mains water go and draw your own conclusions.
DeductionPosted: 2 February, 2012 - 3:16 AM
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Who do Shetland Telecom who have had BDUK funding wholesale to???
(this is a fair and non abusive question).
someoneelsePosted: 2 February, 2012 - 11:42 AM
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Shetland Telecom has not received any money from BDUK.
DeductionPosted: 3 February, 2012 - 3:13 AM
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Shetland comes under the HIE, The HIE is getting BDUK money. Shetland is entitled to a slice. BT have refused to do Shetland, Shetland Telecom are though and are totally entitled to funds.
http://www.hie.co.uk/about-hie/news-and-media/archive/next-generation-broadband-for-the-highlands-and-islands-of-scotland.ht
ml
http://www.hie.co.uk/highlands-and-islands/digital/next-generation-broadband.html
Marvin SmithPosted: 3 February, 2012 - 3:03 PM
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Just to clarify a few points.
The Shetland Telecom Project has received no funding from BDUK. We did get some funding from the EU.
State Aid regulations dictate that the network is 'open access'.
More than happy to answer any further questions.
Marvin Smth
Project Manager
Shetland Telecom Project/Shetland Islands Council
MarvinPosted: 4 February, 2012 - 4:16 PM
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We don't wholesale to anybody as yet because the network isn't finished. We tendered for a wholesale provider and that negotiation is ongoing.
Cheers
Marvin
DeductionPosted: 4 February, 2012 - 8:09 PM
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quote"We don't wholesale to anybody"
Thank you for that.
New_LondonerPosted: 4 February, 2012 - 10:40 PM
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^^^^
You forgot ".... as yet because the network isn't finished."
DeductionPosted: 5 February, 2012 - 5:17 PM
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You forgot your claim was nobody can bid for funds unless they already have a wholesale division.
Something you have spewed with numerous IDs in numerous news comments.
New_LondonerPosted: 5 February, 2012 - 5:56 PM
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@deduction
Suggest you look again at the post from Marvin, which clearly says it is an open access network. If they offer the facility then they qualify, not their fault if no takers (or not yet operational), So entirely consistent despit your pedantry.
PS no idea why you persist with your multi ID delusion, however up to you.
MikePosted: 5 February, 2012 - 7:22 PM
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An open network is not the same as being a wholesaler and you trolling on here of certain posters is becoming pathetic.
Marvin SmithPosted: 6 February, 2012 - 2:20 PM
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Looks like I've walked into somebody else's argument but I don't want to get shot in the crossfire. ;-)
For the avoidance of doubt, wholesale services will be available on our network when it is complete. We took the decision to tender for a wholesale operator because these services may be better delivered through a larger telco with track record.
I think there may be some confusion here about BDUK requirements (which I know little about) and EU State Aid regulations. 'Open Access' as far as the State Aid regulations is concerned, covers both active and passive layers of the network.
Our project was begun and funded before BDUK money was available/ known about.
I'm more than happy to provide any further info to whoever wants it.
Regards
Marvin
DeductionPosted: 7 February, 2012 - 1:36 AM
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So just to confirm you currently do not wholesale any product to anyone? And when you are up and running another operator entirely is likely to wholesale your product.
PS not really an argument just some troll on here insisting that before ANYONE can have BDUK, EU or similar funds you have to be a wholesaler and keeps insisting it in numerous news items. Which you have clarified you currently dont and plan to only to do so after you are up and running not before. (thats if i understand correct).
PPS May also be worth you trying for some BDUK money Marvin as the region you will provide in comes under Highlands & Islands region which has been allocated funds.
Good luck with your deployment Marvin :) Sounds like its going nicely thus far :)
New_LondonerPosted: 7 February, 2012 - 5:58 AM
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@Deduction
To be clear, you cannot wholesale before your network is operational, you can however commit to wholesale once operational as part of your tender response. This is a contractual offer so perfectly acceptable.
Oh and you can't apply for BDUK funds after building your network in an area. One of the tests you have to comply with as part of EU state aid rules is "additionality", you have to show that the state aid funds something that woudl not have happened anyway.
Marvin SmithPosted: 7 February, 2012 - 10:05 AM
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@dedution
Yes, I can confirm that no services are available on our network :-). Doesn't sound good.... but we will be up and running soon. Yes, there will be wholesale services available. In theory we have a carrier class telco who can provide wholesale if the cutomer does not want to buy services from us (a new small operator). I can't remember anything in the BDUK guidelines that states you have to be a wholesaler to qualify for funding but you do need to have wholesale services/products to comply with State Aid regs. It's a technical requirement which is in place to ensure that other operators can work on the publically funded network.
We have further network deployment plans and we will attempt to seek funding from whatever sources are available. The BDUK project in Scotland seems to be taking a while and oportunity missed by waiting for cash has to be taken into consideration.
Marvin SmithPosted: 7 February, 2012 - 10:13 AM
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The State Aid regs may well be slightly different now. When we applied there was no derogation to the UK so we had to go the long route. The UK now has powers to 'ok' BDUK projects as long as they remain within the EU guidelines.
We went a 'new' (to the UK anyway) route. We didn't see the advantage of a gap funded model. If the local council had to invest then we saw no reason why we couldn't own the asset.
New_LondonerPosted: 7 February, 2012 - 10:09 PM
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@Marvin
Fantastically clear, "from the horses mouth", thank you. Hopefully this clarifies the issue regarding state aid, wholesale for all concerned!
DeductionPosted: 9 February, 2012 - 1:45 AM
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^^^ No idea what you were reading but he in fact said the total opposite. They do not have a wholesale model as yet, and didnt when they started. What they do when up and running and what they are doing at the moment are 2 separate things.
Previously you have claimed carriers have to have a wholesale division before they can bid... Perhaps report yourself to MarkJ New_Londoner for the nonsense you have spewed in so many news items. Ill link to it if needed.
New_LondonerPosted: 9 February, 2012 - 5:38 AM
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@Deduction
I clearly misread the part which says:
Quote "you do need to have wholesale services/products to comply with State Aid regs. It's a technical requirement which is in place to ensure that other operators can work on the publically funded network."
And I think you're find I said that you need to comply with EU state aid rules such as this one in order to win a bid involving state aid in the UK. Technically you could bid without making these commitments but your bid would not win as it would not be "compliant".
DeductionPosted: 11 February, 2012 - 1:15 AM
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You clearly missed the part that states...
"For the avoidance of doubt, wholesale services will be available on our network when it is complete."
IE they wholesale to nobody right now.
Along with
"I can't remember anything in the BDUK guidelines that states you have to be a wholesaler to qualify for funding"
So you can cut that nonsense claim out that you have made numerous times.
New_LondonerPosted: 12 February, 2012 - 1:16 PM
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@Deduction
My mistake, I assumed it was common knowledge that EU state aid rules apply to all local or national schemes, including BDUK, otherwise I would have added this point. And obviously no operator can wholesale services before its network is actually built! So stop being pedantic.
So as before, the quote from our friend at ST sums up the point about wholesaling services quite clearly: "you do need to have wholesale services/products to comply with State Aid regs. It's a technical requirement which is in place to ensure that other operators can work on the publically funded network."
If you still don't agree despite quotes from UK government document, confirmation from operators and posts from those of us that understand the rules, I suggest you write to the EU and ask for clarification yourself.
DeductionPosted: 13 February, 2012 - 4:57 PM
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http://www.ispreview.co.uk/story/2012/02/11/uk-government-spends-1m-on-legal-advice-for-superfast-broadband-rollou
t.html
Thats what will decide if people comply with state aid rules.
And quite clearly you are still wrong as currently ST have no wholesale product which then according to you means they are in violation of state aid rules.
Are you in addition to talking nonsense accusing an organisation of breaking the law now also?
New_LondonerPosted: 14 February, 2012 - 1:28 PM
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@Deduction
As before, I refer you to our friend from ST
"you do need to have wholesale services/products to comply with State Aid regs. It's a technical requirement which is in place to ensure that other operators can work on the publically funded network."
So its not "according to me", even ST think thta this is the case!
DeductionPosted: 15 February, 2012 - 2:50 AM
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So you are saying they are breaking the law?
They currently have no wholesale product or provider.
Or as you want to refer back what was stated...
"For the avoidance of doubt, wholesale services will be available on our network when it is complete."
IE right now there are NONE.
Id be careful i doubt they will take kindly to you stating their network is breaking EU laws.
New_LondonerPosted: 15 February, 2012 - 6:38 PM
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@Deduction
As before, I do not see a problem with the two statements:
1) WHolesale is a requirement to comply with EU state aid regulations
2) Wholesale will be an option from FT when their network is complete.
No idea why you feel this is an issue, seems fair enough that they complete their network then offer wholesale, is consistent with the regulations.
New_LondonerPosted: 16 February, 2012 - 2:46 PM
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^^^^ Should say
"2) Wholesale will be an option from ST when their network is complete."
GadgetPosted: 16 February, 2012 - 4:31 PM
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The incentive for them to offer it on completion is simple - if the aid is deemed illegal by the EU it is the beneficiary who has to pay back what has been given out.....
DeductionPosted: 18 February, 2012 - 7:19 PM
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So you are stating they are breaking the law..... Ill inform them of your slanderous accusations immediately.
GadgetPosted: 20 February, 2012 - 12:53 PM
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My comment is a simple factual statement "If the aid is deemed illegal by the EU it is the beneficiary who has to pay back.."
Not stating they are breaking the law in any way
Not sure how you made the jump to your last comment.
DeductionPosted: 22 February, 2012 - 1:29 AM
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So they can bid and not have a wholesale service?
GadgetPosted: 22 February, 2012 - 7:35 AM
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Nothing to stop them bidding - winning the bid and compliance of bid terms are another matter
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