Scottish Government Infill Programme Benefitting Rural Angus
The recent activation of a new 4G mast at Clova has brought 4G services to this community for the first time, via the mobile network operator EE.
The requirement for improved mobile coverage at Clova was identified as a result of Scotland-wide coverage analysis conducted by the programme. The Scottish Government formally added the location to the Scottish 4G Infill programme (S4GI) in April 2021.
The mast went live in March 2023, providing vital 4G connectivity to both residents and visitors to the area. It will also be used by EE to provide coverage in connection with its Emergency Services Network requirements in the location, and has enabled 999 calls to be made where connectivity was lacking.
S4GI programme is a £28.75 million investment intended to improve mobile connectivity in parts of Scotland where there is no mobile coverage from any mobile network operator. Arising from the Scottish Government’s 2016 Mobile Action Plan, it was established following recognition of the need for direct government support to fund the deployment of 4G masts in some of the most rural areas of Scotland.
The programme is being funded by the Scottish Government and is delivering 4G mobile infrastructure and services in 55 so-called coverage “notspots”. A pipeline of further activations will complete delivery of the programme over spring 2023.
I am delighted that the community of Clova is now benefitting from 4G connectivity, thanks to this Scottish Government investment in rural Angus.
GRAEME
Such improvements can make a world of difference for people living in, and visiting, remote places across Scotland.
The 4G Infill programme represents a vital part of the Scottish Government’s wider portfolio of digital connectivity programmes, which includes the Reaching 100% Programme delivering access to superfast broadband to all remaining hard-to-reach addresses throughout the country.
This continues to be a key priority for the SNP government, and we believe these investments will deliver the critical national infrastructure that will underpin Scotland’s future economic success.
