CloudNet delivers broadband to Scottish island via waterpipes

CloudNet has installed a unique system for delivering broadband, helping a rural community in Orkney boost its fibre network using drinking water pipes in what is believed to be a UK first.

Homes and businesses in the island of Papa Westray are now receiving speeds comparable to less rural areas of Scotland through the Reaching 100 percent (R100) programme.

Cables have been laid by contractor CloudNet using the island’s community-owned water system, with Scottish Government funding, as a more efficient and less disruptive alternative to conventional cable laying methods.

In total, it took around eight months to install the network.

The internet connection initially reaches Papa Westray via a radio link from neighbouring isle of Westray, before being distributed across the island using the water pipes.

The fibre cable is delivered through a second pipe housed within the drinking water network.

The innovation helps residents to do vital things they found difficult previously, like attending medical check-ups remotely via video call, and monitoring of livestock.

It is now hoped that it will attract people to live and work on the island, and that water networks could be used to deliver broadband in other hard-to-reach areas.

Papa Westray became the first to use this approach successfully because the water system is owned by the community, streamlining the process of gaining permissions and causing less disruption to the island’s roads.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This ingenious approach represents a less disruptive way of delivering faster connectivity to all on Papa Westray.

“This makes it easier for residents to do business and access essential services such as health and education.”

CloudNet Managing Director Greg Whitton said: “The delivery of this Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme project to the most remote island in Orkney – Papa Westray – is the first successful commercial project of its kind in the UK.”