Highlands and Islands remote broadband scheme under way

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The BBC's technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones went to the Isle of Skye to find out more about the broadband project

A new community scheme will provide homes and businesses in remote parts of the Highlands and Islands with improved broadband access.

Experts have worked with local groups to develop a high-speed internet network to serve Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna and other remote areas.

The technology makes use of a low-cost network of relays that connect to the internet at the Gaelic college on Skye.

Researchers hope the method will solve internet problems in remote areas.

Experts at the University of Edinburgh and the University of the Highlands and Islands worked together to develop the scheme.

Professor Peter Buneman, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics, said: "I am delighted to see our scheme bringing the benefits of the web to these remote communities.

"I hope that, with further support, our system can be implemented in more places like these."

Professor Boyd Robertson, principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on Skye, said: "The project epitomises the kind of innovative and collaborative approach that we have taken over the years to economic, educational, cultural and social development.

"We are pleased to host this project which makes high-speed broadband available to communities in sparsely populated areas and contributes to their economic viability and social vitality."

The scheme is backed by the Scottish government's Community Broadband Scotland initiative.

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