Virgin Media O2 4G coverage boost for Highlands and Islands

Staff Reporter

June 8, 2023

Virgin Media O2 is to build or upgrade30 masts in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, as part of the Shared Rural Network program.

Currently, only 26 per cent of the Highlands and Islands have 4G coverage from all four mobile network operators. This will increase to 68 per cent after the upgrades are completed.

Virgin Media O2 has already reached its 50th Shared Rural Network site and obtained planning consent for an additional 100 sites, to expand 4G coverage.

The Shared Rural Network program, developed by the four mobile network operators and the government, aims to enhance mobile coverage in rural areas by upgrading existing networks and collaborating on shared infrastructure and new sites.

The £1bn million program involves a combined investment of £532 million from the operators and £500 million from the UK government. The aim is to minimise infrastructure duplication and its impact on the countryside.

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