The UK government has announced a GBP 3 million funding initiative to enhance internet connectivity for remote and rural islands in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The investment will support hybrid satellite projects that combine low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites to provide high-speed, gigabit-capable internet services to underserved areas. The initiative seeks satellite partners to deliver flexible, high-speed connectivity to rural islands, improving access to essential services and opportunities for residents and seasonal visitors.
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Improving Connectivity on Remote Islands
Chris Bryant, the UK’s Telecoms Minister, emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure in combating exclusion and supporting economic growth, “Digital infrastructure is essential for our modern way of life; but for too long, many businesses and communities have felt left behind,” said Chris Bryant, the UK’s Telecoms Minister. “This is why we must do whatever it takes to ensure we harness technological innovation to enrich people’s lives and tackle exclusion, rather than entrench existing inequalities.”
One of the critical projects, worth GBP 2 million, aims to improve connectivity on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s northernmost point. With a population of just 141 and over 40,000 annual visitors, Rathlin faces connectivity challenges due to the impracticality of installing submarine cables. The project will deploy hybrid satellite terminals capable of delivering 5G-level speeds, providing a much-needed boost for residents and tourists.
Fleur Anderson, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, highlighted the project’s transformative potential, noting that, “Reliable connectivity is a necessity that can open up opportunities and transform services, and this initiative will have a positive impact on business and the entire community.”
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Satellite Connectivity for the Shetland Islands
Another project, which will receive GBP 1 million in funding, focuses on improving connectivity on Papa Stour, a remote island in the Shetland Islands. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Papa Stour is known for its rich wildlife but lacks infrastructure, including broadband and mobile services. The project will pilot hybrid satellite connectivity for residents and tourists, demonstrating how an integrated satellite-wireless solution can be managed on a “whole community” basis without requiring on-site personnel. This project is also seen as a potential model for other hard-to-reach communities across the UK.
Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, acknowledged the challenges that Scotland’s island communities face, adding, “This project on Papa Stour is a vital research initiative that could serve as a blueprint for improving connectivity in Scotland‘s many islands and other remote areas.”
Through these hybrid satellite projects, the UK government aims to bridge the connectivity gap in some of the most isolated communities, helping to support local economies, improve services, and boost digital inclusion.
