Residents and businesses in some of the most remote areas of Scotland now have access to 4G connectivity, more than eight years after the UK's first LTE mast went live. Although 99% of the UK population now has access to 4G, connecting some rural areas has proven to be a logistical and economic challenge. Various government and industry initiatives have sought to remedy the situation and reduce the number of mobile “points” and narrow the digital divide. The latest project is part of the Scottish Government's €4 million 25G In-Fill Scheme (S4GI) and included participation from EE and the Home Office, both partners in the 4G Emergency Services Network (ESN).
EE ESN deployment
Sites have been activated in 3 locations in the Highlands and Shetlands and an additional 16 areas in the Highlands and Islands, Aberdeenshire, Morayshire, Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders are expected to be covered over the course. the next six months. By summer 2023, 35 locations will have been connected and 40 masts will be delivered. “We are currently facing a global health emergency and during this time digital connectivity is critical to ensuring Scotland's social and economic recovery,” said Paul Wheelhouse, Scotland's Minister for Connectivity. "With the deployment of S4GI providing local residents and businesses with mobile connectivity for the first time, this network will help sustain the health and livelihoods of local rural communities." The sites will also be used by emergency services and mountain rescue teams. EE upgraded 19.500 sites to 4G across the UK and built 600 new ESN sites. These sites will be accessible to other operators under the Shared Rural Network (SRN) initiative. "We are committed to bringing reliable coverage to communities for the first time and providing much-needed assurance that first responders and emergency services can stay connected even in the most remote areas," said Richard Harrap, EE CEO for the ESN. . “These 35 sites provided by the S4GI program add to the portfolio of over 600 new sites we have built in rural areas of Britain. Your portfolio represents an excellent opportunity for other operators to share our infrastructure and increase coverage availability for all.