Shetland Islands to get broadband in pioneering trial

A pilot programme launched in Scotland could bring the advantages of high-speed broadband to two remote communities in the Shetland Islands.

Residential and business customers on the island of Fetlar and in the village of Vidlin have previously suffered with unreliable and slow broadband connections.

However, Shetland Islands Council (SIC) has invested £100,000 in a three-year pilot programme with broadband carrier Thus to provide an ADSL service of 2Mbps, reports the Shetland News.

Local businesswoman Helen Erwood welcomed SIC's investment in the broadband trial and stated her belief that this will boost local businesses.

"It demonstrates an appreciation that Shetland needs to considerably improve its future commitments to having communications networks that adequately support e-business activities," Ms Erwood explained.

"Businesses like ours, which are based and staffed from Shetland, but with clients mostly in Europe and the US, need to be able to compete on a level playing field with mainland companies if they are to continue to thrive within and support the local economy."

The pilot project will use capacity from the existing Pathfinder programme, which establishes 8Mbps connections to all SIC buildings and offices.