As part of the SRN programme, new masts are being built in the south of Scotland, while existing masts will also be upgraded to ensure coverage from all four operators – Virgin Media O2, Three, EE and Vodafone – will rise from 55% to a minimum of 81%.
Alongside this, 74% of Scotland overall will have 4G coverage from all four operators – up from 44% - after network improvements are made and new masts are completed within the new target date of June 2024.
FIND OUT MORE: £1BN SHARED RURAL NETWORK PLAN TO GET 4G TO 95% OF UK BY 2025
John Lamont, the MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, has welcomed the investment during a visit to a new Virgin Media O2 mast in the Scottish Borders. The mast in Denholm village was first built several years ago for 2G mobile services and has recently been upgraded for 4G capability,
Lamont said: “This significant investment to upgrade the mobile network is fantastic news for people across the Scottish Borders. These new masts will boost connectivity and help more people to get better mobile coverage.
“The SRN is a great UK initiative that will transform mobile coverage for local people and businesses.”
The move comes as network operators including VM02 begin the switch-off of 2G and 3G networks over the next ten years with the SRN supporting the roll-out of 4G and 5G networks that will be needed to cover all communities.
Bruce Ferguson, Mobile Network Delivery Manager at Virgin Media O2, added: “We’re continuing to deliver on our mission to upgrade the UK, investing billions of pounds in our networks to enhance the services we offer our customers – especially in rural areas where improvements are desperately needed.
“Through the Shared Rural Network, we’re working closely with government and industry to bridge the digital divide and transform connectivity for local businesses, residents and tourists in rural areas, allowing them to get online more easily than ever before. With more sites being upgraded and built throughout the year, people in rural Scotland will soon benefit from greatly improved mobile services.”
