ADSL was implemented throughout Shetland during the second half of 2005. Whilst full ADSL was installed in most exchanges a number of locations were implemented using a method known as "Exchange Activate". This provided a limited number of connections at a limited bandwidth from a limited number of suppliers.

In practice customers at locations serviced by the telephone exchanges in Burravoe, Fair Isle, Fetlar, Foula, Gutcher, North Roe, Out Skerries, Papa Stour, Uyeasound, Vidlin and West Sandwick are on a system offering a maximum of 512/256k connection speeds to the first 32 customers that apply.

The community wireless project will investigate delivery of a minimum 2Mb symmetric broadband service, using wireless technology, to paying customers in Vidlin and Fetlar.

The project will set up pilot schemes in Vidlin and Fetlar where the proposed solution or solutions can be monitored and tested. The results will be reported to Council at the conclusion of the pilot.