Lobbyists call to improve Scotland’s “unacceptable” mobile coverage
A business lobbying group has called for the UK Government to improve the “unacceptable” mobile coverage in Scotland and thereby support economic growth.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) noted that only 17 per cent of Scotland’s landmass received 4G mobile coverage last year. The group wants any new sales of mobile systems to include obligations to offer the same coverage in rural areas that urban areas currently receive. The Scottish Affairs Committee is currently looking into the issue, and the FSB plans to give evidence in support of its position at the committee’s Westminster hearing this week.
Data from communications regulator Ofcom shows that Scotland’s 4G coverage is improving but still less than that of other locations in the UK. In mid-2017, 53 per cent of Scottish indoor premises had 4G coverage. While this was a vast improvement on the 33 per cent figure recorded in 2016, it fell below the UK average of 58 per cent.
Regarding landmass, 4G coverage in Scotland increased from six per cent in 2016 to 17 per cent in 2017 but lagged far behind the increase to 60 per cent landmass coverage in England last year.
Andy Willox, FSB Scotland’s Policy Convener, said: “While some allowances could be made for differences in geography and population density, these figures show that the gap between Scotland and England is unacceptably wide – as it has been for some time. Improving Scotland’s historically patchy digital infrastructure is a top priority for Scotland’s business community.”
The Scottish Futures Trust and the Scottish Government began a dialogue last year on devolving a plan for improving 4G coverage.