ESN to Benefit from 50 new 4G Masts for Rural Mobile Coverage Across Scotland

Extended Area Service masts activated on the Shared Rural Network target Scotland's hardest-to-reach communities

Fifty Extended Area Service (EAS) 4G masts have been switched on for use on the Shared Rural Network in rural parts of Scotland, improving mobile signal in some of the country's hardest-to-reach communities. The masts, delivered as part of the Emergency Services Network (ESN) offering critical communications to public safety entities, form part of a wider effort to improve mobile coverage in rural areas across the UK, enabling local residents and businesses to connect and communicate when needed.

UK telecoms minister Liz Lloyd commented:

"Scotland's mountains, islands and remote rural communities have made it one of the hardest places in the UK to deliver reliable mobile coverage – but our investment is helping to change that. By switching on dozens more 4G masts through the Shared Rural Network, we are tackling long-standing blackspots and giving more people across rural Scotland the coverage they need to stay in touch, run businesses and get help in an emergency."

Reliable mobile coverage is considered vital in rural and remote areas, where individuals may need to call for help following an accident, contact emergency services quickly, or share their location while travelling, working or exploring outdoors. The improved connectivity is also expected to support everyday life for residents, visitors and businesses by enabling access to online services, maintaining contact with family and colleagues, using maps and travel information, and staying connected while on the move.

Across Great Britain, UK Government funding has now activated more than 140 4G masts through the Shared Rural Network. The programme primarily upgrades existing masts to enhance rural connectivity while preserving natural landscapes, with new masts constructed only where no suitable infrastructure already exists.

Image: Courtesy of ESN