Issue - meetings

Gerry Wilson (Council IT Infrastructure Manager) had produced a report to members indicating that the mast at southend is not suitable. But that an alternative technology, the Macro project is now being examined, and is likely to be more successful in providing usable coverage.  IT to be asked for an update on progress for the next meeting. 

Alan Reid MP  noted that there is a new project initiated in Westminster  called the Mobile Infrastructure Project (MIP) which is to address  “not spots”  (places with poor/none existent mobile coverage).  The main contractor for this project is to be appointed shortly.  Alan will advise once the company is known so they can be contacted.

Alan Reid noted that Broadband rollout in Argyll is ongoing.(Highland and Islands (BDUK)   It is currently understood that that 50 settlements across the highlands and Islands  will get the super fast new generation broadband Including Campbeltown. 

BT are  the preferred supplier  for this project and the interim project goal is that  everyone within 20 KM of a major settlement will get  2Mb per second broadband by 2015

The Chair informed the group of the ongoing difficulty at Southend, the national 'not spots' and the proposed removal of the Northern Ireland mast in Southend.  Susan Paterson reported that the NHS were also currently reviewing this problem in regards their staff being unable to make calls whilst undertaking community based work.  Deirdre Henderson stated that local school buses faced the same scenario.  Drivers were issued with mobile phones, but were unable to make use of these in certain areas.  

Deirdre advised the group of a petition she had started in regards the legal right to a minimum of 2Mbps broadband speed.  Details of the petition are:-

www.facebook.com/ukbroadband

The Chair stated that this item would remain on the Agenda for further discussion and updates.