The FSB's Scottish Policy Convener, Andy Willox, said:

"The roll-out and uptake of next generation broadband is important to all of Scotland: private and public sector, business and consumer, third sector, schools, universities and colleges. Scotland's geography and institutions must not mean we're left behind.

That is why it is vital that whoever forms the next Scottish Government works with the Scotland Office and Scotland's local authorities to deliver on this issue. We cannot allow the various administrations to point fingers while public sector bodies, businesses, communities and families are unable to connect to the 21st century's newest utility.

While the UK Government's broadband pilots in the Highlands and elsewhere are most welcome, the FSB remains unconvinced that current plans will deliver the blanket coverage the country needs within respectable timescales. We need a strong plan with deadlines and costs and we need government at all levels to be signed up."