Digital lifeline for business success

Published on Friday 26 June 2009 17:16

FURTHER to the article, 'Lord Carter demands BBC cash to rescue ITV regional news' by William Lyons (Business, 21 June), I would like to highlight the importance of this Digital Britain report for Scotland in particular.

Sadly, Scotland's productivity levels are below those of the rest of the UK. In addition, our remote geography puts us at a disadvantage compared with many other areas of the UK. However, as more businesses get online, broadband access could help us create a more level playing field and boost our productivity.

I appreciate the significant importance of regional news, but I feel I must highlight the fact that this surely will never have the same economic catalyst potential as broadband.

A truly national broadband infrastructure provides the platform that could help transform all aspects of our economy and society. The overwhelming benefit of these proposals is the ability it gives us as a nation to improve the delivery of public and private services, both in terms of the lower cost of delivery and also the improved accessibility it gives via services such as telehealth.

The countries that will flourish in the coming decades are those that have the infrastructure, skills and culture to embrace new opportunities for innovation. For small businesses in remote areas for example, the opportunities to improve access to markets while reducing costs and environmental impact are considerable.

President Obama has led the way by putting ICT at the heart of his economic policies. If Scotland is to pave the way out of recession and towards sustainable growth, I urge the Scottish Government to do the same.

Donald McLaughlin, director, Cisco Scotland