Scottish Labour are to unveil a new plan tackling digital exclusion to ‘ensure that no-one is left behind’, according to party leader Anas Sarwar.

Calling the current levels of digital exclusion a “scandal,” the party is set to launch its Technology Consultation today (4th Feb) with a paper outlining the issue, while also presenting its broader vision for growth and innovation in Scotland’s technology sector.

Scottish Labour said that the plan will look at how to expand Scotland’s tech industry, and how to embed new technology across the economy and public services.

To develop these policies further, the paper will be followed by a series of discussions with tech industry leaders, which Scottish Labour said will examine how best to close the digital exclusion gap north of the border.

“Technology has the power to transform our economy and our public services, but we need to ensure that no-one is left behind,” said Sarwar.

“Scottish Labour is determined to put Scotland at the forefront of the digital revolution and ensure that everyone can benefit.”

According to new analysis by Scottish Labour, people in the most deprived parts of Scotland are almost four times more likely to report having no internet access than those in the least deprived areas.

The most recent Scottish Household Survey revealed that while just 3.7% of households in the least deprived communities in Scotland reported having no internet access, 13.4% of those in the most deprived areas said the same. 

Ofcom also recently warned that Scotland is by many metrics the least connected nation in the UK, with figures from the Connected Nations Scotland 2024 showing the country has among the highest rate of 4G not spots, and the lowest full fibre access.

However, the situation is improving, with 62% of residential properties having access to full-fibre networks in Scotland (rising 9% from September 2023), with over three-quarters of Scottish households now having gigabit-capable coverage.

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Despite those improvements, Scottish Labour’s 2024 manifesto cites failures in the SNP’s R100 scheme and promises to deliver a renewed push for full gigabit and national 5G coverage by 2030.

“The SNP has failed to tackle digital exclusion in Scotland, meaning communities across the country are at risk of missing out on the opportunities technology can provide,” said Sarwar.

“Whether it’s removing the barriers preventing the most deprived communities from getting online or building infrastructure in rural Scotland, the SNP must ensure that everyone is connected