By Scott Wright

INVESTMENT to boost Scotland’s digital connectivity should take precedence over funding to improve the road network in the bid to revive the economy after coronavirus, a senior figure from the communications industry has declared.

Clive Selley, chief executive of Openreach, said that digital connectivity has been a “lifeline” for people and businesses while lockdown conditions have been in force, adding that it will be “even more important in helping to rebuild and grow the economy” post Covid-19.

Openreach, the digital network arm of communications giant BT, has backed a call made by the Committee on Climate Change in a letter to the Scottish Government last month, in which it argued that investment should be made in “resilient infrastructure such as improved broadband instead of new roads”. The recommendation was one of a “six key principles to rebuild the nation” set out in the letter, with the Committee declaring that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change are “integral” to the recovery.

In its submission to the Scottish Government’s advisory group on economic recovery (AGER), which is chaired by banking veteran Benny Higgins, Openreach said the Committee had made an “important intervention in setting out how government infrastructure priorities should change to support economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.”

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Openreach said: “We would like to see this recommendation form part of AGER’s submission to the Scottish Government.”

Internet traffic on the Scottish Openreach network has increased by 70 per cent during the lockdown, the company said, adding that work has continued on broadband upgrades in locations such as Bearsden, Halfway, Giffnock, Baillieston and Kilmarnock while, where it has been safe.

Openreach argues in its response to the AGER that the Scottish Government “must sustain investment in digital infrastructure”, adding that efforts must be made to bring people online who currently are not, and to “help those already online exploit digital as effectively as possible.”

In the submission, the company observes that the pattern of people working at home and travelling less established by measures to halt coronavirus while not be fully reversed when lockdown conditions are eased.

It argues that Scotland’s economic recovery in the long term will “rest on the quality and use by citizens and businesses of the digital connections that have sustained so many during the pandemic”.

Mr Selley said separately: “Connectivity has served as a crucial lifeline during the lockdown, helping to keep people working and the economy moving, and supporting public services. It is going to be even more important in helping to rebuild and grow the economy.”

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Citing research published by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, Mr Selley added: “Full fibre will be transformational, boosting Scotland’s economy by £4.5 billion, cutting carbon emissions from commuting and helping 37,000 more people to access employment. It will also reduce the transport and housing pressure in Scottish cities and level-up rural and local economies.

“At this time of unparalleled challenge, businesses, government and industry must work together to bolster Scotland’s digital resilience and bring about the changes needed for a sustainable recovery.”

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “In order to emerge from this crisis and to future proof our services and economy, we must develop innovative ways of working and living. Digital connectivity has allowed the economy to function in the last few weeks as people work and run their businesses from home.

“We must continue to capitalise on it as we enter recovery mode. Digitalisation can help businesses to innovate and refocus their business models, reach new audiences and support skills and employment opportunities.”