55 new 4G masts for rural and island areas

A Scottish Government programme aimed at bridging the digital divide by installing 55 4G mobile phone masts in rural and island communities has yielded significant improvements in home life, work life, and business performance, according to new analysis.

Thanks to the £28.75 million Scottish 4G Infill (S4GI) project, around 2,200 homes and businesses now enjoy faster mobile internet connections, making it the largest project of its kind to be completed in the UK to date.

Residents and business owners have reported a variety of benefits following the completion of the programme, including expanded online customer bases for businesses and enhanced connectivity for communities during broadband outages.

Surveys and focus groups have also identified advantages such as flexible working patterns, increased employee productivity, easier access to online learning materials and job opportunities, and even influencing decisions to remain in or relocate to these areas.

The S4GI initiative specifically targeted long-standing mobile phone signal blackspots across the country, spanning from Bruray in Shetland to Cairngarroch in Dumfries & Galloway. Mast construction was carried out by WHP Telecoms and Cellnex UK, with project management overseen by the Scottish Futures Trust.

During a visit to Nith Valley Alpaca Farm in Dumfries & Galloway, Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur experienced firsthand how 4G connectivity is benefiting businesses. Arthur underlined the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving digital connectivity for the benefit of work, business, and daily life.

Arthur remarked, “S4GI is a prime example of strategic investment yielding multiple benefits. It aims to create avenues for businesses to thrive, enhance daily life, and ensure that everyone – even those in the most remote areas – can access the benefits of the digital age.”

Local resident and owner of Nith Valley Alpaca Farm, Deborah Maxwell, shared her positive experience, stating, “Since opening in 2017, we have relied on online marketing to help our business grow. Now, with a reliable mobile connection, more visitors can discover our farm and engage with us online.”

Mark Bartlett, Operations Director at Cellnex UK, expressed pride in the company’s role as the telecoms infrastructure partner for the S4GI programme. Bartlett emphasised the program’s impact on improving economic and social opportunities for individuals and businesses in rural Scotland.

Bartlett added, “Access to digital connectivity is increasingly crucial in today’s society, with essential services such as education, healthcare, and financial assistance going digital. Moreover, many jobs require online applications or remote working capabilities.”

With 55 areas in Scotland’s most remote communities benefiting from reliable 4G services, significant progress has been made towards ensuring no one is left behind in terms of digital connectivity