Shetland Telecom

The Shetland Telecom Project was established in 2009 to undertake a significant step change in telecoms provision in Shetland. The project has successfully achieved the provision of resilient, reliable, high capacity data services for Shetland. The Shetland Telecom Project is a member of the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) and the Independent Network Cooperative Association (INCA).

In 2006/7 Shetland Islands Council took the decision to make telecommunications a priority area for development. At that time Shetland had very unreliable telecoms connections to the rest of the world. All traffic went over multi-hop microwave links which frequently suffered from weather and atmospheric changes.

Internet and data communications are: vital to the future of our traditional industries, essential to Shetland's Oil and Gas economy and are key to successfully attracting inward investment. The Shetland Telecom Project's primary goal is to ensure that Shetland, through access to world class Internet connections, can compete in the 21st century global market place.

Shetland Telecom has an established Point of Presence in Lerwick providing resilient backhaul connections from Shetland to Telehouse, the centre of the UK Internet, in London. Our network has been designed to encourage service providers to develop business opportunities in Shetland and we are always keen to assist with new ventures.

Broadband has become an essential part of modern living and the demand for faster internet access will continue to increase. Improving the broadband to the whole of Shetland has for a long time been a priority of Shetland Islands Council and with this in mind The Shetland Telecom Project was established in 2009 with the positive aim of ensuring that Shetland does not get left behind.