Figures released by communications regulator Ofcom have revealed that Perth and Kinross ranks in the bottom half for broadband service in the UK.
The report into fixed broadband shows that the local authority area is ranked 120th out of 200 across the country.
It also shows that, on the whole, Scotland is lagging behind, with only 61% of the population having access to broadband compared with 74% across the whole of the UK.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith is stepping up her campaign for better coverage, describing the report as “deeply concerning.”
“Part of the problem in many communities in Perthshire is that broadband access is too often either slow or non-existent,” she said.
The Ofcom report (link) reveals that superfast broadband is only available to one-third of service users, with the average modem sync speed in Perth and Kinross sitting at 6.9 Mbit/s well below the Scottish average of 7.6 Mbit/s and the UK average of 7.5 Mbit/s.
As part of efforts to improve provision in rural communities, the Westminster Government has earmarked £530 million to bankroll high-speed connections.
Perthshire Chamber of Commerce members have already voiced their fears that rural areas could become a “business backwater” if urgent action is not taken.
President Stephen Leckie said: “Perthshire is an area where rural and home-based businesses thrive, but they will struggle and die if they have to make do with standard or sub-standard connection speeds while other areas secure faster internet connections.
“Access to the internet is a key factor in today’s fast-moving business world and contracts can be won or lost on the speed and efficiency of communications.”