Boosting Scotland’s digital capabilities vital to growth, FSB tells MSPs

In a briefing ahead of a debate today, the FSB said that while Scotland’s mobile and broadband coverage rates have improved, they lag behind England.

According to the trade body, as of June, 83 per cent of Scottish premises could access superfast broadband, compared to 89 per cent of English premises. 58 per cent of Scottish premises had outdoor 4G coverage from all four networks, compared to 75 per cent of English premises.

The small business campaign group also argues that money need to be invested to boost Scotland’s digital skills.

Scottish Government research shows that 75 per cent of Scottish businesses believe that digital technology is essential or important to the growth of their business. However only 37 per cent of businesses thought that their employees were equipped with sufficient technology skills to meet business needs.

FSB has also pressed the Scottish Government to co-ordinate the digital activities of the country’s public sector to make it easier for firms to pay taxes, get advice and comply with regulation.

In 2014, the Scottish Government announced its intention to make the country a world-leading digital nation by 2020.

Andy Willox, FSB’s Scottish policy convenor, said: “The Scottish Government has made reasonable progress to improve the country’s digital capability, but we’re far from being a world-leading digital nation. Indeed, the delivery of even small scale ambitions like a usable wi-fi on our train network has been poor.

“We strongly support many Scottish Government initiatives especially their commitment to deliver universal superfast broadband by 2021. But across other fronts – such as digital skills and government services – we must see devolved government step up a gear.”

The FSB said it is writing to the Scottish Government to support proposals to loosen planning restrictions on digital infrastructure like mobile masts.

Mr Willox added: “Delivering better mobile coverage must be a national priority.”