The Scottish Government's major new investment in providing rural communities with access to improved broadband services is hugely welcome.

The benefits that broadband can bring to rural communities through improved local services and business opportunities are well documented, and access to high-speed digital connectivity is now an essential service.

While the announcement is positive, it is of course only the start of an ambitious infrastructure project and there remains much work to do. It is particularly important that the 5% of rural households not covered by the new investment receive alternative support to help them achieve high-speed broadband access. The geography and topography of Scotland, and the low population density in many remote areas, means the business case for investing in these communities is challenging, but they must not be left behind.

As part of the latest announcement, we understand that rural-based small and medium-sized enterprises will be prioritised in the deployment, in a bid to support the economy in remote and isolated areas. This is good news as, without access, rural communities will not be able to fulfil their economic and social potential and will fall into a two-speed society.

Earlier this year, BT also announced it will be rolling out a programme to provide a fibre network for Scotland's Highlands and Islands, with the aim of making the network available to about 84% of homes and businesses in the region by the end of 2016.

Part of the solution towards ensuring access for all is to support rural community enterprise initiatives to fill the gaps left by the market and Government programmes and we are pleased to be part of the advisory group for the Community Broadband Scotland (CBS) initiative, which has been set up to provide this type of support. Working with individual communities, the initiative aims to ensure communities are able to develop a high-speed broadband solution that meets their specific needs.

Innovative projects, such as those in Elvanfoot or Applecross, which are being supported by CBS, demonstrate that community enterprises can deliver effective solutions in remote rural areas. These community schemes also help because they encourage people who would otherwise not adopt the technology to participate. As we know from our research in Glasgow, building the infrastructure is only half the battle when it comes to getting people online.

In Glasgow we found broadband uptake is lower than the UK average, with only 60% of residents online at home, and digital exclusion a concern across all communities and demographics. The reasons for this low level of broadband usage are complex, and vary according to age, gender and geography. Key barriers include the cost of an internet connection, a preference for doing things face to face or on the phone, and concerns about using technology or navigating the often confusing telecommunications market.

Ensuring the internet is affordable for everyone is a vitally important issue. In Glasgow, we found that those households who are offline have, on average, a monthly budget of less than £30 for communications items, including television, mobile phones and the internet. To put this in context, the average UK household spend on these items is nearly £100 per month.

Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association and other key partners in the city are undertaking significant work to address these challenges and we are delighted to be working with them as they develop their new strategy.

Broadband is an essential platform for future economic development and regeneration. It provides a platform to support Scotland's economy, ensuring it helps the country compete in an increasingly digital world.

With continued support from local and Scottish Government, as well as the telecommunications industry and local people, we believe all communities, whether rural or urban, can find solutions in some shape or form towards ensuring all are digitally connected. This latest announcement is another step in the right direction.

Douglas White is senior policy officer at Carnegie UK Trust.