Virgin Media O2 has announced they are investing hundreds of millions into network initiatives and upgrades across Scotland.
Virgin Media O2’s 5G coverage in Scotland now reaches 58 towns and cities, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness and Perth, and 37,000 postcodes are covered by 5G.
Studies show 5G could add £12bn to the Scottish economy and create 160,000 jobs and 3,000 new businesses.
The company has also invested in its 4G network upgrade across Scotland, boosting a further 33,000 postcodes to make Scotland a digital nation.
Rural Scottish communities have also received a boost as Virgin Media O2 is providing new services as part of the shared rural network (SRN) programme which gives residents and businesses access to improved, faster 4G services.
Since its first investment in 2015, more than 330,000 homes and businesses have ultrafast broadband and half the population in Scotland can access gigabit broadband speeds.
Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise Ivan Mckee visited a dig site in Glasgow and commented: “Investment by Virgin Media O2 across gigabit-capable broadband, 4G and 5G mobile coverage is helping improve digital connectivity.
This includes provision of 4G on a number of our Scottish 4G Infill programme sites and significant investment in 5G, with coverage added to more than 28,000 postcodes over the past year, including in Edinburgh, Dundee, Inverness and Perth.”
Virgin Media O2 head of build for Scotland Colin Rae added: “Virgin Media O2 is driving forward the Scottish Government’s aspiration to make the country a world-class digital nation, turning ambition into action through continued investment to expand our gigabit network, 4G upgrades and 5G rollout.
“We’re dedicated to bringing the best experience and seamless connectivity to all our customers across Scotland, from the remote Isle of Gigha and Scottish Highlands, to the major cities, as we continue to upgrade the UK.”