The UK Government will sign a new deal with mobile network operators this afternoon which should lead to a significant improvement to mobile coverage in Scotland. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland has welcomed the move, stating that action to improve Scotland’s mobile connectivity is long overdue.
Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chair, said: “For far too long, significant swathes of Scotland have been poorly served by the UK’s mobile networks. That’s led to neighbourhood businesses missing opportunities and wasting time, as well as problems for local people looking to access commercial and public services. Therefore this new deal is to be warmly welcomed – it must deliver for local places north of the border.”
The UK Government has also signalled that it plans a significant investment in broadband infrastructure, to be announced at this Wednesday’s Budget.
Andrew McRae said: “The coronavirus outbreak shows just how important good digital connectivity is to our collective resilience. Employees and the self-employed that can work from home can only do so if they’ve got decent digital connections.
“New spending to ensure that the UK is well-connected is therefore a sensible and forward-thinking move. It’ll be vital, however, that this new programme works hand-in-glove with the Scottish Government’s established programmes.”
Read more about the UK Government’s deal with the mobile network operators: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/shared-rural-network
The most up to date figures regarding Scottish broadband and mobile connectivity can be found in this report: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/186409/connected-nations-2019-scotland-report.pdf
FSB has long campaigned for action to improve Scotland’s mobile coverage: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-42902978
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk
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As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.