Those living in the areas of Badenoch and Strathspey in Scotland are being urged to take up high-speed broadband connections, reports the Strathspey Herald.

As part of the Broadband Reach scheme, residents have been offered government help to get connected.

Initially registration for the scheme ended on January 18th but consumers have been notified that the applications can still be accepted until Friday May 30th.

SNP regional MSP Dave Thompson explained: "Access to broadband has become increasingly important as a vital business tool and essential source of information for households."

He added that rural areas, which may have had greater difficulties in getting a broadband connection, were being placed at a disadvantage without access to high-speed internet.

According to the Scottish Government, a Reach problem within broadband connections occurs when a location is outside a 5.6 kilometre radius from the nearest telephone exchange.

Friday, 30th May 2008

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