Rural connectivity must put communities first

Press Release

Investment in rural broadband and mobile coverage must focus on the needs of communities and businesses, with stronger accountability for operators exercising powers over private land, Scottish Land & Estates has told MPs. 

Giving evidence to a meeting of the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee, the rural business organisation said reliable connectivity was essential to Scotland’s rural economy, supporting everything from livestock management and tax compliance to payment systems and business diversification. 

However, SLE warned that delivery targets risked becoming a numbers exercise if success was measured by the amount of land covered without sufficient consideration of who would benefit. 

The organisation called for decisions on new infrastructure to consider local needs, public benefit, cost and impacts on existing land uses, with different technologies considered according to their suitability. 

Anna Gardiner, Senior Policy Adviser (Business & Property) at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Reliable connectivity is essential for rural businesses and communities. We strongly support investment in better mobile and broadband services, but success must be judged by the difference it makes to people’s lives and livelihoods. 

“The Shared Rural Network (SRN) has an important role in extending coverage, but landmass targets alone cannot tell us whether investment is reaching those who need it most. The starting point should be ‘how do we connect this community?’ That means considering the technologies available and directing investment towards solutions that meet local needs.” 

SLE also raised concerns about the balance of the Electronic Communications Code, which gives telecommunications operators statutory rights relating to infrastructure on private land. 

It said reforms had strengthened operators’ powers to access land, upgrade equipment and share infrastructure, while reducing financial recognition for landowners and site providers. 

Granting rights over land can have implications lasting decades, affecting farming, forestry, housing, environmental management and future investment. SLE stressed that landowners often need professional advice to understand these commitments. 

Anna continued: “Many operators and their agents work constructively with landowners. However, initiating formal procedures before someone has had a reasonable opportunity to obtain advice or consider a proposal can be intimidating and undermine trust. 

“Hosting telecommunications infrastructure is a significant commitment. Early engagement, clear information and adequate time to take professional advice should be standard practice. Landowners need to understand how an agreement could affect their business and their ability to use the land in future. 

“Stronger statutory powers must be matched by stronger accountability. Effective oversight and an independent complaints process would help address poor practice and give all parties greater confidence. Delivering better rural connectivity depends on constructive relationships with the people who host the infrastructure, and the system should support those partnerships.”