Improving the area’s broadband, especially in many of the scattered townships of Assynt, has long been recognised as a need in Assynt. There is now relatively high speed fibre-optic broadband available from the main telephone exchange in Lochinver, however many areas in Assynt have some of the worst broadband speeds in the UK.  The speed also is affected by increased usage during the tourist season, with speeds being much lower in the tourist season.

With a decent internet connection being so important for work, including self-employment and other enterprise based at home, and for general life,  very poor broadband is a serious hardship and disadvantage for many local residents.

In 2015 a Community Broadband Survey was carried out, organised by Willie Jack on behalf of what was then the Assynt Community Association, with funding from Community Broadband Scotland and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.  The report of this survey can be dowloaded here:  Assynt CBS report january 2016.

Around 2019, Assynt Development Trust had discussions with Highland Wireless, and Assynt Crofters’ Trust, planning towards provision of wireless broadband provision in Assynt in a number of geographical phases.  Phase 1 was intended to bring wireless broadband to the north of Assynt, covering the Stoer Peninsula, by way of wireless signal being transmitted between Assynt and the high speed fibre network north-east of Kylesku.

A public meeting about this project was held at Stoer Village Hall in July 2019, attended by nearly 40 people from the local area.

Since then, Highland Wireless has entered into a relationship with the company Lothian Broadband Networks Ltd, and the intended progress on the project has stalled for the time being.