Press Release
24th April 2002
Greenock Tops Scotland’s
Cyber-League
Greenock is top of Scotland’s
home Internet use league, a new report shows.
According to figures from marketing solution company, Claritas, 51.3% of households in the town go online for 30 mins or more every day. This is the highest in Scotland and 6th top in the UK.
Commenting, the only MSP to hold online surgeries, Greenock & Inverclyde’s Duncan McNeil, said:
"Given our close association with the electronics and IT industries, it’s not surprising that we in Greenock are leading the way in embracing the information revolution.
"These figures, though, do underline the need for more services – whether from government, businesses, or even your MSP – to be available online."
The news comes as the Scottish Parliament announced that Internet access will be boosted by a £3.2 million scheme to put 1,000 new Internet access points in readily available places such as pubs, shops, hairdressers and churches.
Welcoming this move, Mr McNeil, continued:
"While it is good that most of Greenock is now online, it is important to ensure that people do not get left behind. As more and more of us begin to take the advantages offered by the Internet for granted, those not able to get online will become increasingly disadvantaged.
"That is why the Scottish Parliament is committed to achieving access to the web for all. We want to see widespread public access points – available within around a mile in urban locations.
"This innovative scheme is an important step on this road."
Up to four computers per venue, complete with line rental and Internet service provision for two years, will be fully funded by the Executive. Any service provider who can guarantee public access for at least 40 hours a week can apply to be a host. Successful applicants can charge members of the public no more than one pound per hour to surf.
Further details and an application pack for
people wishing to be hosts are available by calling 0845 270
1043.
ENDS
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