Residents in Nairn will soon have connectivity improved to 4G as part of a government programme
Dalwhinnie and Nairn are among the rural communities in Scotland included in the scheme as EE expands its 4G coverage in 132 locations as part of the Shared Rural Network programme.
Areas with high summer demand, including national parks and coastal locations are being targeted with the work programmed to be completed by the end of 2021.
Lossiemouth, Montrose and Kelso will also benefit from the extended 4G coverage.
SRN is a programme between the UK’s four mobile network operators and the UK Government to extend 4G coverage to 95% of the UK’s geography by the middle of this decade.
The upgrades announced fall under the first phase of the SRN, where EE will invest to significantly reduce ‘partial not-spots’ by 2024.
EE has already upgraded its 4G network in 38 locations across Scotland since the SRN deal was signed in March 2020 to bring improved connectivity to each UK nation. Further sites have already been upgraded in Scotland in 2021, with 132 in total to be completed by the end of the year.
Locations already upgraded since 2020 include: Staffin (Skye), Ullapool (Highland), Campbeltown (Argyll and Bute) and Shawbost (Western Isles)
Iain Stewart, UK Government minister for scotland, said: “In addition to the privately-funded Shared Rural Network, the UK Government will spend more than £500m to add coverage to total hot-spots and help those in areas that need improved connectivity most.
“Combined, this will bring about noticeable change for many people in Scotland, with 132 areas set to benefit from extended EE 4G coverage by the end of this year. Mobile phones have become a fundamental part of everyday life for most people. We look forward to people in rural communities being able to enjoy the benefits this investment will bring."
Philip Jansen, chief executive of BT Group, said: “Reliable connectivity is important wherever you live, work or travel, and we’re committed to improving and adding coverage to even the most remote areas."