Mobile connectivity in one of Scotland’s most remote areas has improved greatly after the installation of 4G equipment at the railway station at Corrour on the West Highland Line.
Installed in July 2024, the 4G installation provides improved digital access for travellers on the railway and the local community, and so far, over 40,000 people have used it to connect to the service.
Other than travelling by train, Corrour is only accessible on foot or by bike, and has the reputation as one of the UK’s most remote railway stations.
The introduction of reliable 4G coverage is providing a significant benefit in supporting local tourism and improving passenger journeys on the West Highland Line.
Coverage of the 4G connection extends a few hundred metres from the station.
Despite the station’s extreme remoteness and lack of conventional broadband infrastructure, a resilient and high-speed internet connection has been made possible by integrating satellite connectivity supplied by Clarus with ScotRail’s network technology.
Wave Mobile supplied the 4G cellular broadcast equipment and service as part of a research, development, and innovation project led by Virgin Media O2 and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
The cellular mast equipment further enhances digital connectivity in rural Scotland and was installed by ATS Ltd on behalf of Scottish Futures Trust.
Neil Rutherford, Senior Associate Director for Digital Connectivity at Scottish Futures Trust, commented that its Digital Connectivity team is working with partners across Scotland to develop and deliver new, innovative solutions that enhance sustainable outdoor connectivity in rural areas.
With its expertise in delivering the masts in the Scottish Government’s 4G Infill Programme, ATS Ltd’s innovative connectivity solution installed at Corrour station is a great example of how it has delivered a difference to all those who connect and visit the station.
Corrour is one of the stations that benefitted from longer trains with more space for bicycles and luggage, which ScotRail introduced this week on the West Highland Line.
When ScotRail carried out work on Rannoch viaduct last March, walkers and cyclists wishing to catch trains from Corrour were badly affected as because of its remoteness and no road to the station it was impossible to provide a rail-replacement bus service.
Alan Manclark, ScotRail Head of IT, said: “This project is a fantastic example of how innovative technology can transform connectivity in remote locations. Providing 4G at Corrour station ensures that ScotRail customers, visitors, and local residents can stay connected, whether for work, travel updates, or simply keeping in touch with friends and family. ScotRail is committed to improving digital access across Scotland’s Railway, and we’re delighted to see such high engagement with this service.”