Badenoch gets extended 4G coverage boost
EE is to expand 4G coverage in 132 locations across Scotland by the end of 2021 to improve rural connectivity as part of the Shared Rural Network programme and one Badenoch area is to benefit from the move.
Locations to be upgraded include the Dalwhinnie area.
The programme between the UK’s four mobile network operators and the UK Government aims to extend 4G coverage to 95 per cent of the UK’s geography by the middle of this decade.
The upgrades announced today fall under the first phase of the Shared Rural Network, where EE will invest to significantly reduce ‘partial not-spots’ by 2024.
EE has already upgraded its 4G network in 38 locations across Scotland since the SRN deal was signed in March 2020 to bring improved connectivity to each UK nation.
Further sites have already been upgraded in Scotland in 2021, with 132 in total to be completed by the end of the year.
Iain Stewart, UK Government Minister for Scotland, said: “In addition to the privately-funded Shared Rural Network, the UK Government will spend more than £500m to add coverage to total not-spots and help those in areas that need improved connectivity most.
“Combined, this will bring about noticeable change for many people in Scotland, with 132 areas set to benefit from extended EE 4G coverage by the end of this year. Mobile phones have become a fundamental part of everyday life for most people. We look forward to people in rural communities being able to enjoy the benefits this investment will bring."
Philip Jansen, chief executive of BT Group, said: “Reliable connectivity is important wherever you live, work or travel, and we’re committed to improving and adding coverage to even the most remote areas.
The investment BT has made in rural areas to date means we already have the infrastructure in place needed to extend our 4G coverage footprint further, minimising the number of new sites we need to build. There are many places where EE is the only provider with 4G coverage today, offering the other operators an opportunity to share our existing sites to plug gaps in their networks and improve mobile performance for everyone.”