§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Government is taking to promote broadband technology in Aberdeenshire. [76651]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 28 October 2002]: The Scottish Executive is implementing its broadband strategy "Connecting Scotland: Our broadband future" and will shortly be publishing an update to that strategy outlining progress to date.
One strand of the strategy is to identify the need for direct support measures and this has been taken forward through the £4.4 million Scottish programme of projects under the UK Broadband Fund. There are measures to stimulate awareness and demand for broadband via a broadband information website and a network of local demonstration centres for SMEs. On the supply side, there are technology trials in rural areas, such as Power line Carrier and Wireless pilots, which aim to determine the potential of these technologies for delivering broadband in rural communities.
In addition, the DTI is establishing a network of broadband experts to be located in each of the English regions and the devolved Administrations, to spread best practice in the promotion and take-up of broadband technology.
All of these measures will help stimulate the rollout and take-up of broadband technologies throughout Scotland, including in Aberdeenshire.