A SCOTTISH Government programme to install 4G mobile phone masts has brought faster internet to some of the region’s most remote locations.
Around 2200 homes and businesses now have a faster mobile internet connection through the £28.75 million Scottish 4G Infill (S4GI) project.
S4GI targeted long-standing mobile phone signal black spots across the country, including Cairngarroch, New Luce in Wigtownshire, Ae, Corrie Common and Auchenhessnane in Dumfriesshire and Loch Head in Stewartry. Construction of the masts was carried out by WHP Telecoms and Cellnex UK. The programme was project managed by Scottish Futures Trust
Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur has visited Nith Valley Alpaca Farm near Thornhill to hear how 4G connectivity was benefitting the business. He said: “S4GI is an excellent example of strategic investment delivering multiple benefits. This is about creating opportunities for businesses, improving daily life and ensuring no one -— even the hardest to reach — is left behind in the digital era.
“The availability of 4G services has proven to be transformational for residents and businesses in these 55 areas included as part of the programme, and we are sharing the lessons learned through months of complex build and collaboration with the UK Government so that they may benefit the ongoing rollout of the Shared Rural Network programme.”
Alpaca Farm owner Deborah Maxwell added: “Since opening in 2017, we have relied on online marketing to help our business grow. Now, with a reliable mobile connection more visitors can find out about our farm.
“The 4G has also meant that customers have easier access to the internet while at the farm – meaning that we have also seen an increase in customers posting images of the farm and alpacas online, as well as positive reviews.”
