4G HAS been beamed to Ae Village and the surrounding area for the first time.
It was identified by the Scottish Government as being underserved by sufficient mobile signal as part of a nationwide project to bring better coverage to rural parts of the country.
The 4G Infill programme (S4GI), a partnership between network provider EE and the Government, aims to improve connectivity for emergency services, local residents, workers and the thousands who visit the nearby Ae Forest each year.
Discussing the impact of the new mast so far, Ae resident and managing director of Dumfries-based Molplant Construction, Alan Newbigging, said: “Myself and the local community are delighted that an S4GI mast has been constructed next to the village. Whilst the village is only around 50 houses, along with several farms and the Forestry Commission, the benefits to the area are enormous.
“Ae Forest is a magnet for walkers, cyclists and downhill racers, with 5000 – 10,000 visitors a year to the area. Whereas before there was limited or no mobile phone coverage, there is now good network coverage, enabling visitors and the local community to keep connected when they need it most.”
