Virgin Media O2 has installed a new 4G mast in Tignabruaich, Scotland, with plans to build or upgrade more masts in the area.
The mast will deliver a much-needed mobile signal boost to the nearby Firth of Clyde and the Mull of Kintyre.
Jenni Minto, the MSP for Argyll and Bute, has welcomed Virgin Media O2’s investment to improve mobile connectivity in her constituency during a trip to see the mast. She was updated on Virgin Media O2's work to build or upgrade 40 masts in her constituency as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme.
The new masts will provide a huge improvement to mobile coverage in the area where, until recently, many people had little to no mobile signal.
Currently, just 26 per cent of the Highlands and Islands receive 4G coverage from all four mobile network operators. This will more than double to 68 per cent after all SRN upgrades have been delivered.
The upgrades will provide residents, businesses and visitors to Argyll and Bute with fast and more reliable mobile connectivity. It will also provide consumers with more choice.
Minto, said, "I welcome Virgin Media O2's investment in Argyll and Bute that will help ensure that my constituents have access to reliable mobile connectivity. For too long, many areas like this one have been at a disadvantage when it comes to connectivity.
"It is fantastic to see how the company is bringing mobile coverage to Tighnabruaich, which will have a positive impact for the businesses, residents, and visitors to the area. I believe that Virgin Media O2 is really setting an example of how to properly invest in mobile networks."
Steven Verigotta, director of mobile delivery at Virgin Media O2, said, "Our Shared Rural Network rollout is making a real, tangible difference to people's lives. We’re continuing to play our part in bringing reliable 4G coverage to more rural locations across Britain and helping to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban communities.
"Rural Scotland is one of the places benefitting most from our investment, with new and upgraded masts already significantly improving the region’s mobile coverage. We are committed to continuing this rollout and bringing reliable mobile connectivity to more rural areas throughout 2024 and beyond."