First Class Concepts Learn Scots Closing the Broadband Gap

July 23, 2012 - PRLog -- In a report released by Ofcom in the last few days it was revealed that though it was still less connected, Scotland is now closing the broadband gap on the rest of the United Kingdom. First Class Concepts read that the number of households in Scotland that have access to home broadband has increased from 61% last year to 68% this year. This compares to 76% in the rest of the UK.

Glasgow-based First Class Concepts which works with telecommunications providers in Scotland was unsurprised to learn that the Greater Glasgow area had been far behind much of the rest of the country with only 50% of households connected last year. However, this has seen a huge increase to 60% this year. A spokesperson for First Class Concepts said, “As we work on behalf of our clients with Glasgow’s general public we have found that still quite a large number of households are without broadband. This year has seen huge growth with broadband providers as they have been able to expand their networks and reach more and more houses around the country and in Glasgow.”

The Ofcom director for Scotland, Vicki Nash, was encouraged by the progress made over the last year, “It’s good news that we’re closing the gap – for consumers realizing the benefits of technology, and for society as well. If public services are available online, then it’s important that people can access them there.” It seems that cost could have played a factor in the slow uptake. Ms Nash continued, “Scotland is starting to engage more. While many already did, maybe there’s been a reluctance among other people in Scotland who hang back, seeing how it goes, maybe thinking prices would come down.”

Aside from broadband the report showed that Scotland is at the head of the pack when it comes to access to 3G mobile signal. It Scotland it is available in 68% of premises compared to 52% in Wales and 56% in Northern Ireland. The representative from First Class Concepts is excited to see that progress is being made, “This is a huge step forwards in a relatively short space of time, we believe that with the introduction of super-fast broadband in the next few years, this figure is going to improve even more rapidly. We’re excited about the future of telecommunications for Scotland.”