Scottish Government's R100 programme: FOI release

Information requested

• Under the Scottish Government's R100 programme, with specific reference to the North Lot, how many properties in the Moray local authority area are still waiting to be connected?
• On average, how long are properties in the Moray local authority area waiting to be connected?
• When do the Scottish Government expect every property in the Moray local authority area to be connected, delivering 100% coverage?

Response

For the purpose of this query, we have interpreted that you are specifically referring to properties still to be connected through the £600 million R100 North contract. As of 24 November 2022 I can confirm that there were 4,888 properties still to be connected via the R100 North contract in the Moray local authority area.

With regards to how long a property can wait for a connection, we do not collect this information and are therefore unable to provide an average timeframe. We can however share that R100 North contract build is expected to begin in the Moray area in 2023 and conclude by 2026. Also, any property that is eligible for funding through the R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (R100 SBVS) 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, not that all homes and businesses would be connected. This is because the decision to enter into a contract with an internet service provider for provision of a superfast broadband service is ultimately a matter for each individual property owner 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.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.