Faster service for Helmsdale mobile phone users after mast upgrade
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Mobile phone users in Helmsdale now have 4G coverage thanks to the Shared Rural Network programme.
The £1 billion Shared Rural Network scheme has been developed by the UK's four mobile network operators (MNOs) - EE, O2, Three and Vodafone - along with the UK Government.
It aims to deliver reliable mobile broadband to 95 per cent of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025.
Virgin Media O2 announced today that as part of the programme, it had upgraded the mobile signal at 50 of its masts across the national network - with Helmsdale being the 50th and most recent site to be upgraded.
People in Helmsdale will now receive 4G coverage irrespective of what provider they use.
Masts at Lairg and Tain are among the 50 sites to have previously been upgraded by Virgin Media O2.
The phone company said the upgrades had delivered faster and more reliable data speeds and higher quality voice calls in areas with previously patchy or slow service.
Scottish Conservative Party Leader Douglas Ross, an MSP for Highlands and Islands, said: “Representing rural and remote communities across Moray and the Highlands and Islands, means I am acutely aware of how important improvements in mobile connectivity are for people and businesses in our area.
“It is welcome to see that Virgin Media O2 have now rolled out this better coverage across so many sites in areas I represent both as a MP and MSP.
“I am committed to continuing to push for further boosts in mobile and broadband connectivity throughout our rural and remote communities."
