Summary

  • The Connectivity Committee takes evidence on the digital strategy from Connectivity Secretary Fergus Ewing

  • Nicola Sturgeon is quizzed by opposition MSPs during first minister's questions

  • NHS waiting times, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and connectivity are raised during general questions

  • Education and skills ministers are in the hot seats for portfolio questions

Live Reporting

Colin Bell and Craig Hutchison

  1. Regulation required to address the areas that other can't reach

    Robbie McGhee from the Scottish governmentbbc

    Robbie McGhee from the Scottish government

    Labour MSP Rhoda Grant asks what changes are being sought to the regulatory framework to address Scotland's needs.

    Mr Ewing says only by regulation can internet installers be required to address the areas that other can't reach.

    The rural economy and connectivity secretary says the UK has adopted a light approach. 

    Robbie McGhee from the Scottish government says he would still like to see Ofcom make its position more clearly.

  2. Minister accuses UK government of a 'missed opportunity'

    Committee convener Edward Mountainbbc

    Committee convener Edward Mountain

    Rural Economy and Connectivity Secretary Fergus Ewing says Scotland does not have the powers to regulate or legislate.

    Mr Ewing says he has urged the UK government to go for a Superfast USO but it went for 10 megabits per second which he says is a missed opportunity.

    The opening statement is brought to abrupt end by committee convener Edward Mountain. 

    The Conservative MSP says he wishes to provide enough time for MSPs to quiz the minister.

  3. 'So much has been achieved that would not have been achieved if we had not led the way'

    Rural Economy and Connectivity Secretary Fergus Ewing

    Rural Economy and Connectivity Secretary Fergus Ewing says the digital strategy is one for Scotland which sets out actions to put digital "at the heart of everything we do".

    Mr Ewing says 715,000 homes and businesses that would not otherwise be connected can now access fibre broadband.

    The rural economy and connectivity secretary says enough cable has been laid to stretch from Edinburgh to Florida.

    "So much has been achieved that would not have been achieved if we had not led the way," he says. 

  4. Scotland's Digital Strategy: Evidence Discussion Paper

    Scotland's Digital Strategy Evidence PaperScottish Government

    In March the Scottish government published the Scotland's Digital Strategy: Evidence Discussion Paper, which contains a series of statistics gathered from Ofcom’s reports, including Connected Nations and Communication Market reports.  

  5. Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee

    First up this morning the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee will take evidence on the digital strategy: 

    The Committee will take evidence from:

    • Fergus Ewing, Rural Economy and Connectivity Secretary
    • Robbie McGhee, broadband policy team leader, Scottish government
    • Alan Johnston, head of connectivity, economy & data division, Scottish government

  6. Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live

    Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the Scottish Parliament for Wednesday 3 May 2017.

    The parliament timetable has been revised this week as there are no proceedings tomorrow because of the local council elections.

    Nicola Sturgeon will be quizzed by opposition MSPs during first minister's questions today instead of the usual Thursday slot. 

    First minister's questions collageScottish Parliament/PA

    This will be followed by two further question sessions as MSPs ask general questions followed by portfolio questions which focuses on education and skills. 

    Parliament will adjourn this afternoon following an earlier decision time at 3:15pm.

    But before all this, we begin with the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee as it takes evidence on the digital strategy.