LABOUR leader Iain Gray has called on ministers to consider how all Scots could be guaranteed broadband access to the internet.
Gray argued that anyone without broadband was at a disadvantage in the modern world. He insisted access to broadband should be considered in the same way as access to utilities such as water and electricity.
Gray said: "We would not tolerate a sit
uation where many Scots struggled to get access to a modern electricity supply or drinking quality water. We have to start thinking about broadband access in the same way. Those on the wrong side of the digital divide are disadvantaged by lack of access to services and lower priced goods and commodities."
He went on: "Fast broadband access is also one of the keys to a modern, prosperous future for Scotland. If we do not move our broadband vision on to the next level now, Scotland risks being left behind."
Mr Gray added that France had made broadband access a right for people, and that Finland had also passed a new law making this a legal right for citizens.
He added: "These may or may not be the approaches we should take here, but we should be considering how that kind of guaranteed access could be provided in Scotland."
Enterprise minister Jim Mather said: "The Scottish Government is determined to do all we can to extend broadband coverage across Scotland.
"We are pleased that, following discussions with BT, an exchange upgrade programme is to take place, enabling more people in rural communities to benefit from broadband.
"In partnership with BT, we are now looking at the exchanges most in need. We look forward to seeing more households and businesses realising the benefits of increased connectivity."
