Broadband Developments Stuart Robertson Competitive Locations Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Broadband - What Is It? UK Broadband Stakeholder Group definition: “ Always on access, at work, at home or on the move provided by a range of fixed line, wireless and satellite technologies to progressively higher bandwidths capable of supporting new and innovative interactive content, applications and services and the delivery of enhanced public services.”

Broadband – The Benefits? High speed Internet access Unmetered access (flat rate tariff) Always on access (no dialling in) Enables new applications Video streaming Voice over I(nternet) P(rotocol) Application service provision Facilitates e-business and e-learning

Broadband – UK Perspective Government’s aim – “UK to have most extensive and competitive bb market in G7 by 2005” 60-65% of UK population reached Mainly urban areas Low take up of service (<1% of households) More expensive than many other countries Mainly ADSL and cable modems Some satellite and Fixed Wireless Access

Broadband – Government Strategy Maximise infrastructure and service competition Stimulate demand – pilot projects, content production, awareness raising and tax incentives Stimulate supply – encourage infrastructure sharing, reduce regulation for satellite access and co-ordinate and aggregate public sector expenditure on telecoms

Broadband - Scottish Strategy Aim – “affordable and pervasive broadband for citizens and businesses across Scotland” Support Government demand-led approach Liaise closely with UK level regulatory and policy proposals (telecoms is “reserved”) Aggregate public sector demand for broadband infrastructure – schools, local authorities and health boards Identify where direct support is needed – e.g. H&Is Special Transitional Programme

Broadband – H&Is Perspective Major transition to high capacity telecoms - H&Is must keep up Market failure for all bar Inverness No clear winning technology or business model High expectations from Ministers and business community HIE Network’s desire to maintain area’s reputation

Broadband – HIE Network Activities Work closely with Digital Scotland Unit Key role in ERDF Steering Group Aggregated Procurement – H&Is a “Pathfinder” area Liaison with Scottish Enterprise Discussions with telecoms operators and suppliers Identify and implement pilot projects

Broadband – HIE Network Activities cont. Awareness raising through e-Business Support Programme Broadband Satellite project Bid for DTI funds for Broadband demonstration activities Powerline project with SSE Wireless project for Western Isles Northern Isles submarine cable project Project ATLAS

Broadband - Project ATLAS Major Scottish Enterprise initiative Initially two phases London link and bandwidth exchange - £6.1m Extend access to key business parks - £24m? Forres Enterprise Park Strategic links to Pathfinder and DTI BB Fund

Northern Isles Cable Local initiative with private sector partners Potential customers identified Good fit with EU funding objectives ERDF £1.5m of £6m pot Additional funds HIE - £375k, SIC - £225k and OIC - £150k HIE lead sponsor for ERDF application

Northern Isles Cable - Issues How to achieve pervasive local access Is broadband the key issue? Is there room for competing networks? What is most effective technology? Role of public agencies Potential for private sector partners Risk and sustainability