A Digital Fibre Network will ensure that we realise our ambition for world-class connectivity across Scotland.This national development focuses on plans for a fibre network to connect our most remote rural communities.This will strengthen the resilience of these communities, and assist projects that play a key role in supporting sustainable economic growth.Opportunities for cabling to be delivered alongside other infrastructure such as the electricity grid and walking and cycling networks are encouraged.

Implementation Lead(s): Scottish Government; Highlands and Islands Enterprise; BT; Local Authorities

Locations: All Scotland

Further reading:
Digital Scotland

Environmental Mitigation: Should further plans for thenetwork emerge containing specific network routing proposals, SEA is likely to be required. Industry code of practice provides further guidance on environmental considerations. Further Habitats Regulation Appraisal will be required as projects are planned.

Ongoing Activity and Milestones:
The Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) has deployed new backhaul – predominantly in the Highlands and Islands region – comprising 800 km of new fibre on land (55 new backhaul routes) and 400 km of sub-sea cables to provide 19 crossings to remote islands.  The sub-sea cabling was completed in December 2014, and the land backhaul routes completed in May 2015.