Council encourages public to take part in digital connectivity survey

Orkney Islands Council is encouraging folk in Orkney to share their views on digital 
connectivity by completing a UK Government survey. This survey is open until 12 
December 2025.

The survey is part of the UK Government’s Scottish Affairs Committee inquiry into digital 
connectivity across rural and island communities in Scotland. This survey is an important 
opportunity to share the challenges faced in Orkney, and will ensure that community voices 
are heard.

Although broadband in Scotland has improved in recent years, there is still room for further 
improvement, particularly in rural areas where only 42% of homes have fibre broadband. 
This challenge is mirrored in mobile connectivity, where it isn’t possible to gain a 4G 
connection across 11% of Scotland.

The Committee will examine how broadband and mobile rollout are working in practice, how 
the UK and Scottish Governments are coordinating their initiatives, and how communities 
like Orkney can benefit from new technologies such as satellite internet. 
It will also consider the impacts of changes such as the phase‑out of the Radio Teleswitch 
Service (RTS), and the barriers that prevent infrastructure from being deployed effectively.

Kristopher Leask, is Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee. He
said:
“We know how vital reliable internet and mobile services are for our residents and 
businesses — digital connectivity isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline. In Orkney, we’ve seen real 
progress, but significant gaps remain in broadband, mobile coverage, and network 
resilience. That’s why we continue to work closely with industry and government to make 
sure Orkney’s needs are heard and addressed. Reliable digital infrastructure is essential for 
our communities to thrive today, and in the future. Residents now have a chance to relay 
their lived experiences to the UK Government”

The inquiry will also look at how vulnerable communities can be protected during poor 
weather, ensuring that vital internet and mobile services are not lost when infrastructure is 
damaged. The importance of this was demonstrated recently when Orkney and Caithness 
were affected by a near total power cut.

Link to the call for written evidence: Written evidence
Link to the public survey: Digital Connectivity Survey