First 4G mast installed in Wigtownshire

The first telecoms mast aimed at providing 4G to areas with no mobile coverage is now operational in New Luce, Wigtownshire.

The first of up to 24 scheduled to be rolled out across Scotland over the next two years, the mast will provide 4G, 3G and 2G services.

Supported by £15m in Scottish Government funding and £10m from the European Regional Development Fund, the Scottish 4G Infill (S4GI) Programme was established in 2018 to address Scotland’s mobile ‘notspots’ – areas with no mobile coverage.

The project is being delivered by WHP Telecoms, managed by the Scottish Futures Trust.

Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands Paul Wheelhouse said: “While telecommunications is a responsibility of UK ministers, improving mobile coverage is vital to achieving the Scottish Government’s ambition to make sure everyone in Scotland has access to high-speed, reliable coverage.

“People in New Luce are the first to benefit but we hope that, like Wigtownshire, many more remote and rural parts of Scotland and Scotland’s islands will soon enjoy improved, cost-effective connectivity as a result of the Scottish Government’s work with industry and other partners, and our investment in the £25 million S4GI Programme.”