Mike Weir MP backs Lords super-fast broadband criticism

This week's House of Lords Communications Committee report highlights the difference between fibre optic broadband policies from Westminster and the Scottish government, according to Mike Weir MP.

The politician, who represents the Angus constituency, said the Conservative-led coalition's broadband plans are "wrong-headed" and stand to worsen the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

His comments echo those from the select committee, which accused the UK government of becoming preoccupied with delivering faster speeds to consumers who already have quality broadband rather than ensuring everyone benefits from connectivity.

Mr Weir argued: "The flawed strategy is typical of a Tory-Lib Dem coalition which lacks vision and fails to invest in the necessary infrastructure to build a fairer and more prosperous future for all our communities."

In contrast, the Scottish government is working within its "limited powers" to build a broadband network based on the principles of sustainability and equality, ensuring that a two-tier system between the haves and have-nots is avoided, he added.