City region deal project information

City Region Deal Digital (Pan highland)

The purpose of the project is to identify and explore ways to extend digital coverage to support the ambition for the Highlands to be the most digitally connected rural region in Europe. This will include superfast broadband, mobile connectivity, business adoption and digital access

Latest position

Planning initiatives continue and have had to take account of the recent “R100” announcement.  This initiative of superfast coverage for 100 per cent of all premises in Scotland has significant implications for the planning process for the City-Region Deal Digital Programme.  A clear understanding of its implications is necessary.  Following the completion of the planning process an outline business case will be submitted to the UK Government.

An early component of the programme was the Wi-Fi project.  This project is now complete and providing WIFI to the City of Inverness and 14 other settlements throughout the Highlands.

Deal Funding £20m UK Government
Project Lead Andrea Rutherford (HIE)