Digital Connectivity
On this page you can find out more information about digital connectivity, including broadband and mobile coverage, ongoing projects in Orkney, and how we can assist your home or business. These include:
- Universal Service Obligation
- Reach 100% - Superfast Broadband for all
- Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (SBVS)
- The Community Fibre Partnerships
- Mobile Phone Coverage
- Contact us
We work with several national schemes to improve broadband and mobile coverage across Orkney, and to make sure residents and businesses have access to the connections they need.
If you want to check your current internet speeds, you can use a speed checker such as the broadband speed test provided by Which.
The digital phone switchover
The UK's phone lines are changing. Between now and January 2027, all providers will move customers from old-style landlines to new digital ones - around 2,000 Orkney lines still need to make the change.
For most people it's straightforward - your provider will get in touch before your line is switched, and the change is often as simple as plugging your phone into your broadband router instead of the wall socket. When they contact you, act on it, as leaving it late could mean disruption to your service.
If you don't have or don't want broadband, you can still keep a phone line - ask your provider about this. If you have other devices connected to your phone line, such as a burglar alarm or fax machine, contact the manufacturer to check they'll still work.
If you or someone you care for relies on a telecare alarm or health device connected to a phone line, contact the OIC Telecare Team as soon as possible on 01856 873 535 | Extension 2635. If you have no other way to call the emergency services in a power cut, mention this to your provider when they get in touch - they must offer you an alternative.
For more information, visit our Digital Phone Switchover FAQs or the UK government's full guidance on the switchover.
Reaching 100% - superfast broadband for all
An internet speed of 30Mbps or above is considered superfast broadband. We are working with the Scottish Government to deliver the Reaching 100% (R100) programme, providing a 30Mbps connection to eligible premises in Orkney.
The R100 programme will see full-fibre infrastructure deployed across Orkney, reaching 2,812 properties between 2022 and 2026. You can check if your postcode is included, or contact us at digital@orkney.gov.uk.
Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme
Some properties won't be connected to full-fibre broadband for a variety of reasons. The Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme offers vouchers of up to £5,000 to help eligible premises access superfast broadband through alternative solutions, such as mobile broadband, fixed wireless or satellite.
Vouchers can also be combined with those of neighbouring properties to fund community solutions. Check if your property is eligible or contact us at digital@orkney.gov.uk.
Universal Service Obligation
If your property has a download speed of less than 10Mbps, you may be entitled to a faster connection under the Universal Service Obligation. BT must deliver a solution up to a total cost of £3,400 - if the cost exceeds this, the household or business may need to meet the difference, though other options may be available to help.
Find out more about your right to request a decent broadband service.
Community Fibre Partnerships
If a broadband upgrade isn't planned for your area, Openreach can work with communities to build a customised solution. They contribute to the costs, with the community providing the rest. This can also be used to upgrade speeds in areas that already have fibre. We're here to support and signpost communities to available grants and assistance - contact us at digital@orkney.gov.uk.
Find out more about registering interest in ultrafast fibre broadband.
Mobile coverage
Due to Orkney's remote location, some areas don't have reliable 4G reception. We are working with the Scottish and UK governments to address this - through the Scotland 4G Infill programme, 4G improvements have been built in Burray, Deerness, Stronsay and Hoy. We are also working with the Shared Rural Network and the main UK mobile networks to push for further coverage across Orkney.
You can check mobile coverage in your area using Ofcom's Map Your Mobile tool.
Contact us
We have compiled a list of FAQs so please check this first to see if your query has already been answered. If you need any further assistance, contact us by emailing digital@orkney.gov.uk or calling 01856 873 535 | Extension 3668.
