Connectivity, Economy and Data Division
T: 0141 – 278 8833
E: /
Mr John Sinclair
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Our ref:FoI/16/00260
18 February 2016
Dear Mr Sinclair
REQUEST UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (SCOTLAND) ACT 2002 (FOISA)
Thank you for your request dated 22 January 2016 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA).
You asked how many homes in Scotland are currently without access to broadband, due to outdated landlines. You also asked if those homes can ask for paper copies of all information on Scottish Government websites to be sent to them. As a member of the Scottish Government’s Broadband Policy team, I am responding to your question.
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested in relation to the number of homes in Scotland without access to broadband. This information is held by Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator.
Under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom is required to submit a report to the Secretary of State every three years, describing the state of the electronic communications networks and services in the UK.
The last full report was published in 2014. In December 2015, Ofcom published an update on those areas seeing the most rapid change, including the coverage of fixed, mobile and broadcast networks, with individual reports for each of the UK’s constituent nations including Scotland.
The Connected Nations 2015 Scotland report states that, as of 30 June 2015, 98% of premises in Scotland had access through fixed broadband networks to basic broadband of 2Mbps or above, meaning 2% were receiving speeds of less than 2Mbps or not receiving broadband services at all.I have attached a copy of this report for you.
Regarding your second request, asking for paper copies of all information on Scottish Government websites to be sent to those homes without access to broadband, we are unable to do so, due to the volume of information kept on the Scottish Government website. Howver, access to the Scottish Government website from Scotland’s network of public libraries may allow people in this situation to better pinpoint and print out the information they are seeking.
Your right to request a review
If you are unhappy with this repose to your FOI request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response by writing to Mike Neilson, Director Digital, at . Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response and should be made within 40 working days from the date when you received this letter. We will complete the review and tell you the result within 20 working days from the date we receive your review request. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner. More detailed information on your rights is available on the Commissioner’s website at
I trust that this information proves to be useful.
Yours sincerely
ANDREW MANSON
BROADBAND POLICY
CONNECTIVITY, ECONOMY AND DATA
Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow G2 8LU/