broadband developments stuart robertson competitive locations highlands and islands enterprise
TRANSCRIPT
Broadband Developments
Stuart RobertsonCompetitive LocationsHighlands and Islands
Enterprise
Broadband - What Is It?UK Broadband Stakeholder Group
definition: “Always on access, at work, at home or
on the move provided by a range of fixed line, wireless and satellite technologies to progressively higher bandwidths capable of supporting new and innovative interactive content, applications and services and the delivery of enhanced public services.”
Broadband – The Benefits? High speed Internet access Unmetered access (flat rate tariff) Always on access (no dialling in) Enables new applications
Video streaming Voice over I(nternet) P(rotocol) Application service provision
Facilitates e-business and e-learning
Broadband – UK Perspective
Government’s aim – “UK to have most extensive and competitive bb market in G7 by 2005”
60-65% of UK population reached Mainly urban areas Low take up of service (<1% of
households) More expensive than many other countries Mainly ADSL and cable modems Some satellite and Fixed Wireless Access
Broadband – Government Strategy
Maximise infrastructure and service competition
Stimulate demand – pilot projects, content production, awareness raising and tax incentives
Stimulate supply – encourage infrastructure sharing, reduce regulation for satellite access and co-ordinate and aggregate public sector expenditure on telecoms
Broadband - Scottish Strategy
Aim – “affordable and pervasive broadband for citizens and businesses across Scotland”
Support Government demand-led approach Liaise closely with UK level regulatory and
policy proposals (telecoms is “reserved”) Aggregate public sector demand for
broadband infrastructure – schools, local authorities and health boards
Identify where direct support is needed – e.g. H&Is Special Transitional Programme
Broadband – H&Is Perspective Major transition to high capacity
telecoms - H&Is must keep up Market failure for all bar Inverness No clear winning technology or business
model High expectations from Ministers and
business community HIE Network’s desire to maintain area’s
reputation
Broadband – HIE Network Activities
Work closely with Digital Scotland Unit
Key role in ERDF Steering Group Aggregated Procurement – H&Is a
“Pathfinder” area Liaison with Scottish Enterprise Discussions with telecoms operators
and suppliers Identify and implement pilot projects
Broadband – HIE Network Activities cont.
Awareness raising through e-Business Support Programme
Broadband Satellite project Bid for DTI funds for
Broadband demonstration activities Powerline project with SSE Wireless project for Western Isles
Northern Isles submarine cable project
Project ATLAS
Broadband - Project ATLAS Major Scottish Enterprise initiative Initially two phases
London link and bandwidth exchange - £6.1m
Extend access to key business parks - £24m?
Forres Enterprise Park Strategic links to Pathfinder and
DTI BB Fund
Northern Isles Cable Local initiative with private sector
partners Potential customers identified Good fit with EU funding objectives ERDF £1.5m of £6m pot Additional funds HIE - £375k, SIC -
£225k and OIC - £150k HIE lead sponsor for ERDF application
Northern Isles Cable - Issues How to achieve pervasive local access Is broadband the key issue? Is there room for competing networks? What is most effective technology? Role of public agencies Potential for private sector partners Risk and sustainability