Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford has pledged to continue to work closely with local communities in Crianlarich, Killin and Tyndrum in response to a recent setback on the timetable for delivering superfast fibre optic broadband connectivity to the area.
Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband had previously stated that funding was in place and plans were set out to connect local communities by December 2018.
However, a recent statement from DSSB said:
“We remain committed to doing all we can to deliver fibre to Crianlarich within the lifetime of the DSSB programme. However, following further planning investigations we are having to undertake extensive re-planning of the deployment of fibre to the area to ensure the best outcome for the people of Crianlarich, Tyndrum and the surrounding areas, within the parameters of this programme. As a result, it will be towards the end of the summer before we have any meaningful updates we can share. We understand how frustrating this is for the local community – unfortunately with large scale infrastructure programmes such as this, we often encounter technical and deployment challenges which take time to overcome. Throughout all of this, we are committed to communicating with the local community.”
Commenting, Bruce Crawford MSP said:
“I am disappointed that the target of reaching Crianlarich by the end of this year with superfast broadband appears not to be the case anymore due to a number of factors standing in the way.
“The DSSB programme has increased superfast broadband coverage in the Stirling area from 59% of properties to now over 91%. It is the Scottish Government’s aim to reach every property in Scotland with superfast broadband by 2021 and Derek MacKay has committed £600 million in funding to achieve this.
“That said, it would be ideal if communities such as Crianlarich and Tyndrum could be reached sooner and I will continue to work with the local community, DSSB and the Scottish Government to get these homes and businesses connected as soon as possible.”
