Regulator tells BT to drop broadband prices in the Far North
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BROADBAND bills in the Far North are set to drop after BT were ordered to lower their prices.
Telecom regulator Ofcom announced they will have to significantly reduce the amount they charge internet service providers in rural and less densely populated areas.
The price reduction will be 12 per cent below inflation per year and will apply until at least March 2014.
The regulator believes that the change will narrow the difference between prices that consumers in rural and urban areas pay for broadband services.
Differences have been mainly due to the more limited set of offers available which is a result of the higher costs of delivering broadband to customers in rural areas.
Rob Gibson, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said the move was welcome but more needs to be done.
"Anything to drive down the cost of broadband has to be welcomed," he said. "I represent many people in remote and rural locations whose internet is perishingly slow with BT the only provider.
"BT has significant responsibilities and the lack of inclination to provide better broadband has hit businesses and stunted growth.
"This is an issue of real importance to Scotland’s rural economy and the Government’s commitment to see improved broadband and digital services across Scotland will help grow the economy."
