Perth and Kinross is to step out of the communications dark ages, with next generation broadband set to be delivered across the region.
Many rural communities have long been bereft of fast broadband access, causing fears that the area could become a business backwater as a result.
With even the smallest and remotest business capable of reaching around the world, the issue has never been more important to their survival.
Now, The Courier has learned that a next generation service is to be delivered to 90% of homes and businesses in Perth and Kinross by 2017, while the remaining 10% should at least see an improvement in their service.
It is hoped that all settlements of more than 1,000 people will benefit from the broadband revolution by March 2015.
A report to council this month will detail the timetable for the rollout, offering many the news they have long awaited.
However, the news may be tempered for some by the revelation that the council’s stated objective of securing access to a minimum 24Mbps service for most may not be achievable.
The latest developments in Blairgowrie have seen residents and businesses achieving speed in the region of 18-20Mbps.
Smaller communities may, however, be forced to accept that all that is on the table at present is the guarantee of speeds in excess of 2Mbps; though, for some, even the bare minimum would be an improvement over negligible or even no service.
At present, no community outwith Perth, Scone or the wider Blairgowrie area has access to superfast services.
Perthshire Chamber of Commerce hopes the boost to broadband provision will help businesses compete in a global market.
Chief executive Vicki Unite said: “We welcome the latest developments from BT outlining a clear timeline for delivering next generation broadband in the Perth and Kinross region.
“We want to see other broadband providers match that commitment. It is vital that businesses in both urban and rural areas have access to this critical infrastructure to support growth in our regional economy.
“We understand the challenges of delivering superfast broadband outside key towns and cities but connectivity is only part of the story.
“We need to ensure smaller communities are not left in the slow lane and we would like to see more done to improve both download speeds and mobile phone signals.
“Broadband can be delivered through various technologies, including wireless, mobile and satellite. There is also the potential to use “white space” in the frequency band used to broadcast digital terrestrial TV.
“These technologies offer an exciting potential to solve some of the practical challenges in rural areas.
“We want Perthshire to have one of the fastest and best-connected communications networks in Europe. Through our Better Broadband for Perthshire campaign, we will continue to keep up pressure on the Government and all broadband providers to play their part.”
Settlements set to benefit by 2015 include Aberfeldy, Abernethy, Almondbank, Alyth, Auchterarder, Bankfoot, Blairgowrie, Bridge of Earn, Comrie, Coupar Angus, Crieff, Dunkeld and Birnam, Errol, Inchture, Kinross, Luncarty, Methven, Milnathort, Perth and Scone, Pitlochry, Stanley, St Madoes and Glencarse.
Current provision from BT and Virgin Media ensures that Perth city and Scone can already call upon fast services, with 89.3% of premises having access to ultrafast broadband and 95% to next generation. The rollout should ensure that close to 100% of properties have access to at least next generation broadband.
Under the plans, improvements are also set to be made to high-speed wireless coverage in Perth, which at present is fragmented and sparse.
The council is hoping that talks with mobile operators will lead to improved 3G wireless coverage and it is also to invest in providing free public wifi hotspots in public buildings, including the city centre’s leisure facilities, museums and galleries.