Petition demands better digital connectivity for Western Isles

Labour campaigner John Erskine is urging action to address "persistent gaps in broadband and mobile coverage that have long disadvantaged rural and island communities".

The petition to the Scottish Parliament's Citizen Participation and Public Petition Committee asks the Scottish Government to tackle digital infrastructure shortfalls, improve mobile internet coverage, and foster public-private partnerships, creating opportunities for economic development, healthcare access, and education in the region.

The move comes as communities prepare for significant changes in telecommunications, including the retirement of copper phone lines by 2027 and the phase-out of radio teleswitch meters by 2025.

According to Mr Erskine, the challenges facing the Highlands and Islands are stark, with 25 per cent of Shetland households experiencing internet speeds below 30Mbps.

Mobile service remains patchy or unreliable in many areas, making it difficult for residents and businesses to stay connected.

Gaps in digital infrastructure hinder growth in tourism and local industries, impacting regional economic potential.

Mr Erskine, former Labour spokesperson for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, is calling for decisive action to close the digital divide and ensure that rural and island communities are not left behind in the modern economy.

He said: “We can’t allow rural communities to be left behind in the digital age. Reliable internet and mobile coverage are not luxuries—they’re lifelines for businesses, education, and healthcare.

"A comprehensive Digital Connectivity Plan is vital to ensuring these communities have the tools they need to thrive.”

The petition calls for:

• Investment in digital infrastructure to close broadband gaps and expand mobile coverage.
• Creation of public-private partnerships to accelerate delivery.
• Regular progress updates to maintain accountability and momentum.

Improving connectivity would provide immediate and long-term benefits, including boosting local businesses, enabling remote healthcare services, improving educational access, and supporting tourism—a vital sector in the Highlands and Islands economy.

The petition is now open for signatures: https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2127

Residents of the Highlands and Islands, as well as supporters across Scotland, are encouraged to sign the petition and help bring attention to the issue.