The local authority is supporting projects in communities across the area to develop alternative broadband solutions, with £300,000 of annual capital funding invested in the scheme.
Three projects are currently live – Balquhidder, Argaty & Kilbryde, and Stockiemuir – while two other areas, The Trossachs and Carron Valley are out to tender.
Launched on 23 March 2018, Balquhidder Community Broadband (BCB) is working in partnership with the Council - through a total of £170,000 investment - and Internet Service Provider Bogons, to deliver hyperfast, future proof and community-owned broadband to all 197 local premises.
Funded in part by an initial £100,000 investment from the Council, along with a similar contribution from its commercial partner, as well as rural development funding from the Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER Programme, the BCB project is expected to bring in millions of pounds in economic gain.
Currently, 74 premises have access to the network, with 72 taking up the service (61 residential and 11 business), representing a 97.3 per cent uptake compared to a national average of 15 per cent.
BCB’s success has been recently recognised nationally with two major accolades - the Transport and Infrastructure gong at the 2018 Scottish Rural Innovators Awards, and the best UK community project prize from the Independent Networks Co-operative Association (INCA). It was also honoured at the most recent Provost Awards.
Cllr Margaret Brisley, Convener of the Finance and Economy Committee, said: “It is very pleasing to see the progress of these important rural broadband projects which support sustainable communities and deliver economic growth.
“Balquhidder Community Broadband is a shining example of successfully working in partnership with residents and groups to deliver this key infrastructure.
“It’s positive to see other communities are moving forward with their projects, and we will continue to support them in our drive to improve connectivity in all our remote areas.”
Argaty and Kilbryde’s broadband network uses fixed wireless technology and went live on Jan 10. It currently serves 20 premises but 80 properties will have access to the service on completion.
Trossachs Community Council is now also being assisted by the Council in developing a broadband solution for its area, with two options under consideration – community-led wireless or full-fibre.
Elsewhere, Blairlogie, Gartness and Auchinteck are at the design stage, while nine additional rural locations - Ardeonaig, Arnprior, Crianlarich, East Loch Lomond, Fintry, Kinlochard, Stronachlachar and Tyndrum - are exploring solutions.
Officers have also been assisting Strathard Community Trust in the procurement of a free public wifi network for Aberfoyle town centre, which is anticipated to go live this month (Feb).
Vice Finance and Economy Convener, Cllr Alison Laurie, said: “Having access to hyper-fast broadband provides rural communities with access to key public and commercial services which bring a wide range of benefits.
“We are committed to addressing the gaps in broadband provision across Stirling and it’s fantastic to see more people getting connected and these various initiatives moving forward.”
David Johnston, Director of Balquhidder Community Broadband CIC: “Our project to bring world-class broadband to Balquhidder has brought the community together and has been transformational to the families and businesses we have so far connected.
“The partnership support received from Stirling Council and LEADER has been crucial to getting the project off the ground and making the progress to date.
“The recent awards from INCA, Scottish Rural Parliament and the Provost are recognition for all of the hard work by our community volunteers and partners and highlights the unique and innovative nature of this collaboration.
“Our whole community should be proud of what has been achieved so far and look forward to completing the task and connecting the last property this year."
Notes: As part of supporting rural communities in broadband projects, the Council continues to promote the two Broadband Delivery UK voucher schemes (Gigabit and Better Broadband Subsidy) that are both available to residential and business premises. It is also liaising with mobile network operators to encourage collaboration on using 4G technology.
One Full-Time Equivalent Rural Broadband Project Officer, supported by the Council and the Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER programme, is in place until March 2020, to provide technical, project and funding support to communities.
