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EE installs new 4G masts in Out Skerries, Foula

December 5, 2023

A new EE mast has introduced 4G mobile coverage to Out Skerries, one of the UK’s most remote inhabited islands/

The new new mobile mast that has been activated by EE to connect the island community as part of the Scottish Government’s £28.75 million Scottish 4G Infill programme (S4GI). The programme is delivering 4G infrastructure and connectivity to rural and island communities across Scotland, which previously had no or extremely limited mobile coverage, while respecting the rural landscape.

In addition to Out Skerries, EE has recently activated another 4G mast as part of the S4GI programme on the also hard-to-reach island of Foula, Shetland.

EE 4G connectivity is now available on 51 of the new 55 S4GI mobile masts across Scotland, with these widespread sites providing vital connectivity to not only residents, but local businesses and Scottish emergency services.

Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group, said: “These new 4G sites provide residents with fast and reliable access to online services like banking, healthcare, and shopping, while empowering rural Scottish businesses to take mobile payments and offer new digital experiences. Together with the Scottish Government and our industry partners, we are helping close the UK’s digital divide and deliver the connectivity boost countryside communities can rely on.”

Scottish Government Innovation Minister, Richard Lochhead, added: “Thanks to our £28.75 million S4GI programme we’ve brought 4G to these Shetland islands, showing our commitment to providing future-proofed connectivity to rural and island communities. These phone masts mean residents, businesses and visitors in these communities can work, communicate and access services more efficiently. This is about creating opportunities for businesses, improving daily life and ensuring no one – even the hardest to reach – is left behind in the digital era.”

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