Formal Board Paper 1 Annex 1.20 Digital infrastructure

This document contains an evidence report for the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan, focusing on digital infrastructure. It highlights that many areas in the National Park, especially remote ones, still lack decent or superfast broadband and have gaps in mobile phone coverage, despite overall improvements across Scotland, with 5G coverage being very limited. Reliable digital connectivity is crucial for residents, businesses, and visitors, enabling access to services and supporting economic growth. Various government and industry programmes, such as the Reaching 100% scheme, Project Gigabit, and the Shared Rural Network, are working to expand full-fibre broadband and 4G coverage, with specific upgrades planned for key settlements like Aviemore, Grantown on Spey, and Ballater. The Local Development Plan will aim to support new digital infrastructure, ensuring it minimises any impact on the natural environment and that new developments meet a minimum superfast broadband speed, reflecting community concerns about connectivity for daily life and work.