Community Scheme Vows To Bring ‘Superfast Broadband' To North East Fife

A group of determined locals have formed a community initiative to ensure that North East Fife doesn’t miss out on the chance to have ‘Superfast Broadband’ along with the rest of Scotland.

The East Neuk and Landward Joint Community Council Forum recently secured funding for a pilot project to bring affordable Superfast Broadband to rural and remote areas of Fife.

BT’s Digital Scotland Project will deliver Superfast Broadband to 95% of Scotland by 2017, but it’s likely that parts of North East Fife will be among the other 5% - meaning they could miss out.
 
The Community Initiative North East Fife (CoINEF) is currently setting up a project to ensure that those areas excluded from the Digital Scotland coverage have alternative access to Superfast Broadband. CoINEF is piloting the project in partnership with the Forum, Community Broadband Scotland, Fife Voluntary Action, the Scottish Government and Fife Council.
 
Superfast Broadband offers benefits to businesses as well as households and will support North East Fife's local economy as well as keeping its residents connected.
 
In addition to internet access, a superfast connection enables access to online TV, telephone and e-commerce platforms – so the whole community benefits.
 
And by avoiding a ‘digital divide’ North East Fife can also work towards greater digital participation. A 2015 study by the Carnegie Trust and IPSOS MORI showed that over a third of households in the Kirkcaldy area had no internet access at all, compared with a UK average of 19%.
 
With plans for an improved infrastructure for the area as well as a strong sense of community spirit, the future’s looking bright for speedy internet access in North East Fife.
 
A key part of the project is finding out about the current level of broadband provision and access in North East Fife. To have your say, complete CoINEF’s quick and easy online questionnaire here: http://fva.direct/7dk84

If you'd like to request a paper copy, you can call 01334 654 080.