Question reference: S5W-21657
- Asked by: John Mason, MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 13 February 2019
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 5 March 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ensure that developers prioritise full fibre broadband rollout and promote consumer choice by consulting more than one broadband provider, and whether such changes could be built into the Planning (Scotland) Bill by way of secondary legislation or guidance for local authorities.
Answer
I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-21656 on 5 March 2019. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx
The choice of broadband providers available to occupants of new build housing will be influenced by factors beyond the scope of the planning system to control. Whilst the Scottish Government is not considering such a requirement in the Planning (Scotland) Bill, where powers are available to us we have already taken action to facilitate improved investment in digital infrastructure. This includes setting out planning policy in relation to telecoms in both Scottish Planning policy (paragraphs 292-300) and in the National Planning Framework (chapter 5).