The Scottish Government has signed a new £3.3M contract (details) to deliver an affordable broadband service to those households and businesses that registered (and were verified) as being out of reach of the technology.

Avanti Caledonian Broadband Ltd. is the lucky recipient of the deal, which will utilise a mix of technologies, including satellite and wireless, to deliver a broadband solution appropriate to the location and density of those that have made themselves known to the Scottish Government:


Unfortunately those expecting a quality solution, which would be able to match services in the more developed parts of Scotland, are likely to be disappointed. Then again, it will be better than nothing and does show significant progress.

Initial packages will offer download speeds of up to 512Kbps (256Kbps upload), which will cost a hefty £23.50 per month! However, there is no installation or set up cost to worry about.

Higher bandwidths and alternative packages, including business options, will be available at extra cost (e.g. £47 for a 2Mbps service with 512Kbps uploads). Credits to Thinkbroadband for spotting the announcement.