SNP Councillor Drew Hendry

With the pace of broadband and internet technology often overtaking current needs, the SNP group on Highland Council have welcomed a commitment gained from HIE Chairman, Willie Roe, to attempt to “Leapfrog” broadband technology for the Highlands.

Following questions regarding securing the advantage of cutting edge mobile broadband technology for the Highlands, a letter sent by Willie Roe, in response to SNP Councillor Drew Hendry, has confirmed a commitment to work with mobile operators to gain access to the developing 4G mobile broadband. 4G is cutting edge technology which aims to offer landline type connection speeds over the mobile phone network. This means that there is a potential to connect people in more remote areas, ensure that those on the move in Highland can do business anywhere and that, potentially, employers can set up businesses or employ more people to work from any location covered by 4G without losing out in terms of remaining competitive.

Drew said:

“We have been pushing for HIE to make a pitch for the development of this amazing technology for quite a while now and we are delighted that the issue is going to be taken up seriously. Mobile operators will need to make a real commitment to improved mobile phone coverage for mobile broadband to be a meaningful alternative in Highland, but, if done properly, development of this system will mean better broadband access and better mobile phone reception at the same time.

Highland businesses and consumers have been crying out for better service across our region and whilst improvements to existing technologies should still be pursued vigorously, we also need to look to the future. There is little point in upgrading networks only to find that when they are completed everything is on its way to being obsolete. Many people remember buying ISDN equipment as recently as 5 or 6 years ago only to rip it out months later. Any 4G development has the potential to catapult the Highlands to the very front of the modern communications world and has the potential to give business here a serious advantage as well as opening up a massive range of opportunities for Highlands people wherever the internet or communications are a factor.”

Share on Facebook