MSP Elena Whitham column: Boost in internet access

FOR better or for worse, the internet is becoming an ever-increasing aspect of our daily lives. From banking, booking transportation, and applying for jobs, we will all need to log on.

That is why it is so crucial that all communities and age groups are brought along on this journey.

Many of my rural constituents in Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley are all too familiar with constant buffering and connections dropping at peak times.

This isn’t just frustrating when trying to catch-up on Netflix, it is a massive hindrance on our daily tasks and the economic productivity of our rural businesses who keep our area going.

That is why I welcome the recent news that the Scottish Government will work alongside the UK Government to deliver an investment into improving broadband for rural and digitally excluded communities.

This will break down barriers to opportunity that so often see rural residents missing out.

Gigabit-capable broadband will see faster speeds for households and fewer dropouts while handling hundreds of devices at once.

This project will be part of the Scottish Government’s £600m R100 programme which has been bringing faster broadband to thousands of homes and businesses across Scotland.

It is one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in Europe, connecting around 113,000 properties.

There has been much discussion in recent years about population decline in Ayrshire. I believe that faster broadband for rural areas like ours could be a game-changing development.

With the proper broadband infrastructure, we could start to see an increase of people moving here to support our economy.

This is why it’s vital we continue to push for investment that matches the ambition and potential of rural Scotland.

Improved broadband won’t just mean smoother streaming—it will open doors to education, remote work, healthcare, and innovation, helping us to thrive in the modern age.

I will keep making the case that no one—no matter where they live—should be left behind in our increasingly connected world.