Moray will not be fully connected to superfast broadband for another three years, it has been revealed.
That is according to a response from the Scottish Government received by MSP Douglas Ross which confirms that the rollout of the R100 broadband scheme will not be completed until 2028 in the region.
The R100 programme is behind on initial time targets.
The Scottish Government programme aims to bring superfast broadband – more than 30Mbps – to all properties in the country.
However, the programme is behind on initial time targets, with early commitments aiming for every home and business in Scotland to have access to superfast broadband by the end of 2021. That target will be missed in Moray by at least seven years.
In Moray, the total premises for delivery of the programme stands at 4888 but only 1562 have so far been delivered.
Mr Ross says that “poor connectivity” is an issue that is “repeatedly raised” by constituents with him.
The MSP says that constituents in both Rafford and Roseisle have complained that fibre cables have been installed within metres of their house, yet they still cannot get connected, unless they pay thousands of pounds to extend the connection.
MSP Douglas Ross.
Mr Ross said: “It is simply not good enough that there are so many properties in Moray that are going to be waiting another three years for superfast broadband.
“The SNP pledged to deliver their flagship scheme by 2021, but poor connectivity is an issue that continues to be repeatedly raised to me by constituents.
“They are dealing with painfully slow speeds or no connections at all.
“Even when fibre cables have been installed metres from people’s homes, they are then asked to shell out thousands just to get connected.
“That displays a total lack of common sense, and I share resident’s frustrations.
“Given they are going to be seven years behind schedule by the time broadband is fully rolled out, the SNP need to accept responsibility.
“They need to urgently prioritise the rollout of broadband in Moray’s rural and remote communities, who are sick of waiting to be connected.”