One in five businesses in Scotland have broadband

The call came after a study by Broadband for Scotland said the benefits included improved customer service, productivity and communication.

Only one in five firms have broadband in Scotland, compared to one in four across the UK as a whole.

Scottish Enterprise's Charlie Watt said firms across Scotland could radically improve their performance.

Mr Watt said research carried out by Scottish Enterprise showed that one in four workers in Scotland with slow internet access were wasting an hour a day waiting for files to download or documents to be sent.

"The commercial benefits of always on internet connections are clear in terms of culture, marketing and processes," he said.

I've been amazed at the cautious attitudes towards investing in technology and e-business Jim Spowart Adventi

"So, our message to IT departments and owner managers is don't get mad, get broadband.

"A broadband connection, with speeds typically 10 times faster than a dial up connection, will help reach new customers, retain existing customers, lower costs and help employee development."

Businesses already using broadband and supporting the campaign include Aberdeen Football Club, BAA Scotland and British Energy.

Jim Spowart, of Adventi, said taking up broadband should be an easy decision for most firms in Scotland.

Slower connections

"I've been amazed at the cautious attitudes towards investing in technology and e-business," he said.

"Taking up broadband should be a straightforward business decision, yet many companies feel duty bound to struggle on with slower and inferior internet connections."

Broadband coverage north of the border runs at 65%, 15% lower than the rest of the UK.

The Broadband for Scotland marketing drive is being jointly funded by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Executive.