Rural consumers continue to experience poorer access to the latest broadband and mobile technology, compared to urban areas.
More than 500,000 premises in Scotland do not yet have access to the latest gigabit capable broadband, such as full fibre, with the majority of these located in rural and island areas.
A new report by Consumer Scotland highlights that only 54% of rural consumers have access to gigabit-capable broadband compared with 89% of urban consumers in Scotland, the largest urban-rural divide anywhere in the UK.
In recent years, both the UK Government (£800 million) and the Scottish Government (£600 million) have made significant investments in the roll-out of gigabit-capable broadband.
The Scottish Government’s National Islands Plan also includes important actions to monitor broadband delivery to identify gaps in gigabit-capability and inform discussions with providers, industry and the UK Government on future connectivity investments.
These are positive interventions. However, Consumer Scotland’s report highlights that significant gaps in access and coverage currently remain, particularly in rural and island areas.
In Aberdeenshire, Argyll & Bute, the Western Isles, the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands, less than half of all premises have access to gigabit-capable broadband.
Angus, Dumfries & Galloway, Highland, Moray and Perth & Kinross also have lower levels of access, with fewer than 70% of premises able to access gigabit-capable broadband.
The report also highlights that 51,211 premises in Scotland cannot access the minimum broadband speeds set out under the UK Government’s Universal Service Obligation (USO), with the vast majority (43,602) in rural areas.
Challenges also remain in the mobile market. Scotland has the highest proportion of landmass without 4G mobile coverage in the UK, with 9% lacking coverage compared with a UK average of 4%. 5G availability also lags behind other UK nations.
Consumer Scotland has made a series of recommendations including:
- An immediate review of the Broadband Universal Service Obligation by the UK Government, with minimum speeds increased to at least superfast broadband levels
- Clearer information for consumers on plans to extend gigabit-capable broadband including when different technologies are expected to be available in their area
- Better information and support for consumers during network upgrades and
technology transitions - Action to improve access to affordable devices, connectivity and digital support
- Consideration of free access to essential public service websites without using mobile data allowances
Head of Consumer Markets at Consumer Scotland Fraser Stewart said:
“Telecommunications services are essential to how people access healthcare, education, banking, work opportunities and vital public services.
“They also enable businesses to operate efficiently, communicate with customers and suppliers, access digital markets and remain competitive in an increasingly online economy.
“While positive progress has been made in extending broadband and mobile coverage across Scotland, consumers in too many rural areas across Scotland continue to experience slower or more limited services that those in urban areas.
“As the range of goods and services that consumers can access through digital technology becomes rapidly more sophisticated, there is a risk these consumers are being left behind unless the technology roll out can keep up.
“Improving connectivity, strengthening digital inclusion and ensuring consumers can access fast, affordable services will help people participate fully and equally in Scotland's economy and society.”
The report also highlights the need for better support for consumers during the retirement of older telecommunications technologies, including the transition away from legacy landline services and older mobile networks.
Consumer Scotland is calling for clearer information and communications to help consumers understand upcoming changes and the actions they may need to take.
Background
The report examines consumer experiences of telecommunications markets in Scotland, including connectivity, affordability, competition, consumer protection and digital inclusion.
In 2024 the UK Government committed £800 million toward achieving full gigabit coverage across Great Britain.
The UK Government’s Project Gigabit aims for 99% of premises to have access to a gigabit capable connection by 2032.
The Scottish Government has committed £600 million investment as part of its Reaching 100% (R100) programme which aims to bring faster broadband, including gigabit-capable broadband, to hard-to-reach premises across Scotland.
Consumer Scotland is the statutory body for consumers in Scotland.