High-speed rural broadband more than a remote possibility

High-speed internet access in isolated parts of Scotland could become a reality with community-driven networks and government funding, research suggests.

A joint research project into rural broadband by the University of Edinburgh and the University of the Highlands and Islands has built a test network that delivers high-speed internet to a remote area of the Scottish mainland.

Researchers built a low-cost ring of wireless phone relays connected to an existing internet connection at the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig college in Skye. The network covers about 40km of the coast of Sleet and Loch Hourn and the villages of Arnisdale and Corran. Broadband connection from the system is faster than in most cities.

Now, scientists say the system could be replicated across rural Scotland, bringing the benefits of fast web access to isolated regions.

They have set out in a White Paper details of their pilot project and how high quality broadband might be extended across Scotland.

Much of rural Scotland is without high quality web access, despite Government investment to upgrade the existing copper wire infrastructure and subsidise satellite connections. Many rural communities are several miles from a telephone exchange - too far for high-speed broadband to work. Satellite connection for high-speed access is very expensive and carries the risk of added technical problems.

The scientists believe that, since thinly populated areas hold little incentive for commercial internet service providers, public sector investment is needed to establish a backbone of internet connections across rural Scotland. Communities could then develop bespoke wireless networks, tapping into these main connections.

Professor Peter Buneman of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, who took part in the study, said: “Access to the internet is fast becoming a basic utility in cities, but in rural areas it is often unavailable. People living remotely need web access to run businesses, use mail order, to access educational support, or to contact friends and family. Broadband speed is doubly important in remote areas where radio, TV and telephones may not work well. Our study shows how high-speed access can be made available to remote areas.”

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Catriona Kelly
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Related Links

Professor Peter Buneman
High speed rural broadband hope, BBC News Scotland, 31st July 2009