Number of properties still awaiting connection through R100 scheme: FOI release

Information requested

• How many (i) Homes and (ii) Business premises are still waiting to be connected via the R100 scheme in the following local authority areas; (a) Moray (B) Aberdeenshire (C) Highland D) Orkney Islands E) Shetland Islands F) Dumfries and Galloway G) Scottish Borders (H) Argyll and Bute (I) Angus (J) South Ayrshire (K) North Ayrshire (l)Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar?
• How many homes and premises in the areas above are expected to be connected in the remainder of 2023-24 and subsequently in financial year 2024/25?
• When do you expect all homes and premises in the above areas to be connected as a result of the R100 scheme?

Response

For the purpose of this query, we have interpreted that you are specifically referring to properties still to be connected through the R100 contracts.

• How many (i) Homes and (ii) Business premises are still waiting to be connected via the R100 scheme in the following local authority areas; (a) Moray (B) Aberdeenshire (C) Highland D) Orkney Islands E) Shetland Islands F) Dumfries and Galloway G) Scottish Borders (H) Argyll and Bute (I) Angus (J) South Ayrshire (K) North Ayrshire (l)Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar?

We currently only hold information on the number of premises connected and do not differentiate between businesses and homes. For that reason, a total premises figure is provided in the table below.

As of 31st October 2023, which is the most recent assured data that we hold, the number of premises due to be connected in each area is as follows:

Area	Number of premises due to be connected in R100 contracts
Aberdeenshire	12,895
Angus	6,381
Argyll And Bute	5,844
Dumfries and Galloway	4,791
Highland	10,327
Moray	4,852
Na h-Eileanan an Iar	2,206
North Ayrshire	1,288
Orkney Islands	2,760
Scottish Borders	3,953
Shetland Islands	1,840
South Ayrshire	198

 

• How many homes and premises in the areas above are expected to be connected in the remainder of 2023-24 and subsequently in financial year 2024/25?

The data we hold regarding premises to be connected through the R100 contracts is split by calendar year rather than by financial year. In order to calculate the number of premises still waiting to be connected, we have subtracted the number of premises connected by the 31st October 2023 from the total number of premises expected to have been connected by the 31st December 2023.

The number of premises expected to be connected in each area is as follows:

Area	Number of premises expected to be connected by end of 2023	Number of premises expected to be connected in 2024
Aberdeenshire	531	3001
Angus	62	607
Argyll And Bute	427	1939
Dumfries and Galloway	486	2934
Highland	265	202
Moray	272	1909
Na h-Eileanan an Iar	0	0
North Ayrshire	876	180
Orkney Islands	335	826
Scottish Borders	854	2263
Shetland Islands	234	935
South Ayrshire	66	17

• When do you expect all homes and premises in the above areas to be connected as a result of the R100 scheme?

All premises within the R100 contracts in the areas requested are expected to be connected during the following calendar years:

Area	Year that the final connections are expected to be made	R100 contract(s)
Aberdeenshire	2028	North
Angus	2028	North
Argyll And Bute	2028	North & Central
Dumfries and Galloway	2025	South
Highland	2028	North
Moray	2027	North
Na h-Eileanan an Iar	2028	North
North Ayrshire	2028	North & Central
Orkney Islands	2026	North
Scottish Borders	2025	South
Shetland Islands	2026	North
South Ayrshire	2025	Central & South

Homes and businesses that are not in the R100 contracts or commercial build plans, may be eligible for funding through the R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (R100 SBVS). Owners and residents can check their eligibility by visiting our address checker at www.scotlandsuperfast.com. R100 SBVS is a demand led scheme and eligible parties can apply for a voucher at any time by contacting one of the registered suppliers.

With regards to delivery of the 100% superfast broadband commitment, it is important to note that the policy commitment was to ensure all homes and businesses could access superfast broadband. However, the decision to enter into a contract with an internet service provider for provision of abroadband service is ultimately a matter for each individual property owner or resident to consider.

We delivered our 100% commitment by ensuring that everyone could access a superfast broadband connection by the end of 2021 either through the R100 contracts, the R100 SBVS or commercial coverage.

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