Strath MP welcomes funding to improve mobile phone coverage
Local MP Danny Alexander has welcomed an announcement by the UK Government of a £150 million investment in providing greater mobile network coverage across rural areas.
The new mobile infrastructure development will enable rural users to access not only the 2G network, but 3G as well; and will provide a foundation for a future 4G upgrade.
It is thought that the improvement will significantly improve communication for businesses and consumers across the Highlands.
Mr Alexander said that through their involvement in the Coalition Government at Westminster, Liberal Democrats have pushed for improvements in mobile coverage - up from previous official targets of 95%.
He said it is believed that this latest investment will increase the percentage of users receiving adequate coverage and assist the 5-10% of people who live in an area with poor or non-existent reception.
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey MP Danny Alexander said: "I know that poor mobile phone signal is a problem which still affects many homes and businesses – especially in rural communities like those in Strathspey and around Loch Ness.
"With more people relying on mobiles, the standard of reception is becoming more and more important – including in emergency situations and along major transport corridors.
"Along with the ongoing work to bring improved broadband to all areas of the Highlands, this investment in our mobile signal network is part of a concerted effort to improve rural communication - bringing real benefits both to business and individual users.
"Liberal Democrats are determined to make sure the Highlands are not left at the back of the queue for telecommunications technology improvements. If anything, we should be taking the opportunity to lead the way."
Improved mobile coverage in the UK will be achieved by procuring additional mobile mast sites.
Millions of consumers and businesses users suffer from poor mobile reception, either at home, in their workplace or on the move.
This "notspot problem" can lead to dropped calls or a complete inability to make mobile phone calls (2G voice services).
Additionally, it can prevent mobile users from accessing the internet whilst on the move (3G or, in the future, 4G data services).
There is no 3G coverage at present in Badenoch and Strathspey.
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Opening up extra mast sites will help rectify this problem, said Mr Alexander.
A spokesman for Mr Alexander's office said as yet there was no detail of where the money would be allocated.
He said: "This is the Treasury making the funding available - but the money will be targeted across the UK at the areas where reception is patchy or absent."
But given the current UK network coverage, he added: "All in all, we are optimistic that the Highlands & Islands should get a good share."
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport say they will invite feedback from local communities about where improvements are most needed.
