Posted: 16th Dec, 2003 By: MarkJ
Thanks to Robert for pointing out that the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise have launched a new campaign to get people online via broadband connections:
The campaign, fronted by Scottish personalities Ford Kiernan and Elaine C Smith, will run across radio and in newspapers with TV ads in February 2004. A website (www.broadbandforscotland.co.uk) and hotline, giving impartial advice on how best to access broadband, will also form part of the promotion.
Traditionally the growth of broadband access has been slower in Scotland than in other parts of the UK, and there are particular problems in rural areas. This has led to concern that Scotland may lose out in the information revolution.
Scottish broadband coverage (66 per cent) is currently less than across the UK as a whole (c.80 per cent), and this initiative is part of efforts to increase this level, ensuring that Scotland not only remains globally competitive but so everyone can enjoy the full benefits of always on, high speed internet services.
At www.broadbandforscotland.co.uk you can use the postcode checker to see which broadband suppliers service your area and the best deals available. The site also answers the more simple questions such as "what is broadband?" and "how can I use it?" - making it a completely impartial one stop shop for anyone looking to get up to speed on the net without any hard sell.
Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace, backing the 'Broadband for Scotland' scheme said: "The Executive is committed to growing the Scottish economy, and the increasing use of broadband is central to this. It is essential that we increase demand for broadband, to share in the benefits it can bring.
The more people who argue for broadband services in their communities, the more areas, individuals and businesses across Scotland can benefit from broadband. It is right that Scottish Enterprise and the Executive should support this scheme, which will give people across Scotland impartial broadband access advice, and so help the Scottish economy."
The initiative has also been welcomed by business groups across Scotland, including CBI Scotland and the Federation of Small Businesses. Both groups will urge their members to take up broadband where it is available.
Log onto http://www.broadbandforscotland.co.uk to find out about broadband and availability in your area.