One of the most isolated islands in the UK, Papa Stour, will experience an immediate improvement in internet connectivity.
The 3.2 square mile island’s connection to low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites will be finished this week, according to the government’s announcement.
According to the official Shetland website, the island has “fewer than a dozen” regular people and is 200 miles off the coast of Shetland from Bergen in Norway to the east to Aberdeen to the south.
But later this week, when the construction of a “specialist Kymeta flat panel” connecting the island to OneWeb’s satellites is finished, stated islanders will benefit from “high-speed broadband.”
“Our announcements today will help ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to high-speed broadband and other digital services that they need to thrive in the 21st century,” Sir John Whittingdale, Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure.
“Improving Papa Stour’s connectivity is a major milestone in our efforts to close the digital divide as it transforms the lives of the island’s residents and visitors.”
The installation is being done by Clarus Network Group, and the CTO of the firm, Paul Coffey, is confident that it will improve both the lives of locals and tourists.
“Until now, Papa Stour residents have been constrained due to unreliable and slow internet connectivity,” he said. “This installation is a landmark step in connecting remote communities, offering new possibilities for UK business and tourism.”
The government said locals will benefit from “high-speed” broadband later this week. Locals were constrained due to slow internet connectivity, telecom service provider Clarus Networks Group said.
