“Developed by the UK government and the four mobile network operators, the Shared Rural Network will deliver 4G coverage to 95% of the UK, enabling rural businesses and communities to thrive. The ambition is to make sure everyone can benefit from fast services on the go – from those visiting areas of natural beauty to those who live and work in remote communities, boosting tourism, improving public safety and opening up access to future technology. The Shared Rural Network will spur economic growth and close the digital divide across the country through better connectivity.”
Dean Creamer, Chief Executive Officer of Building Digital UK (BDUK)
“Assynt Community Councillors are unanimously in support of the Shared Rural Network, as we see it will not only improve mobile telephone coverage for anyone in the area but also ensure there is adequate coverage for the local emergency services. Assynt Community appreciates the concerns of those who object to masts on the grounds of impact on the habitat and environment of the surrounding area. However, the councillors feel the Shared Rural Network will work for the greater good of the local community in the long term – ensuring adequate internet and mobile network connectivity in an area where both are currently inconsistent at best. Our emergency services depend on reliable communications, and local households and businesses should no longer be expected to put up with unacceptably poor broadband speeds in an age where so many people rely on the internet to carry out their day to day activities.”
Assynt Community Council
“As a resident of the Highlands, I support the Shared Rural Network and the need for masts in remote areas. I feel the masts and the coverage provided as a proportionate balance between avoiding disturbance to the landscape and providing public safety and amenity enhancement. If a mast saves just one life in twenty years, I would see that as justifiable expenditure, and in the meantime it could prove a significant but less critical benefit to those enjoying the wild area or seeking more reliable coverage on its periphery”.
A local West-Highland resident
“Connectivity remains a significant barrier in many crofting areas so we very much welcome the action being supported by the Shared Rural Network to help address the problem. Improving the mobile network in remote, rural areas of the Highlands and Islands will enable those in crofting communities to finally take full advantage of digital provision of public and other services, to manage their diversified businesses on the go and to access emergency services easily if required, all of which will make a real difference on a daily basis.”
Donna Smith, CEO, Scottish Crofting Federation
“There are now high expectations from residents, businesses and visitors about mobile connectivity – even in a mountainous National Park! Whilst mobile connectivity has improved in recent years, there are significant “not spots” where mobile coverage does not exist or signal “drops out” occur. The Shared Rural Network programme will certainly help us meet these expectations and address the not spots. There are of course sensitivities about the potential need for new masts in sensitive landscapes and will work carefully with SRN to address these challenges and get the best outcome for the Park.”
Murray Ferguson, Director of Planning & Place, Cairngorms National Park
“Since the inception of SARLOC™ Technology in 2009, it has been used more than 17,000 times to assist the Emergency Services to locate lost people. SARLOC™ Technology, and all its derivatives, rely on having a good mobile signal to provide internet access to the SARLOC™ Infrastructure. A lost person calls for help and they are sent a text message containing a link, which once opened, shares their location with the Emergency Services. Not only does this help teams locate them quicker, often in time sensitive situations, it reduces the resources needed as part of the call out, saving on rescue team costs and man hours searching for the caller. However, in order to utilise this life saving technology in remote parts of the UK, there needs to be good mobile phone coverage. The investment from the UK Government and the mobile network operators through the Shared Rural Network will provide essential 4G coverage, allowing rescue teams to accurately locate those in need of assistance thus saving many more lives.”
Russ Hore, SARLOC™ System Creator & Developer
“For modern farming businesses to fulfil their potential, fast, reliable connectivity is crucial. The ability to manage both mainstream farming activities, and any diversified income stream from mobile phones, is a key element to success. The delivery of significant improvements in 4G coverage in rural parts of Scotland will be welcomed by those who live and work in Scotland’s countryside. Through the Shared Rural Network we will see farmers in areas previously with limited or no coverage now benefit from improved 4G networks, helping them not only realise the true potential of digital connectivity for farming operations, but also have reassurances that they will have coverage in times of crisis whilst often working alone or in remote areas.”
Rhianna Montgomery, Rural Business Policy Advisor, National Farmers’ Union Scotland
“The Scottish Government’s £28.75 million 4G Infill programme (S4GI) and the Shared Rural Network are helping further Scotland’s first class digital infrastructure. “Digital connectivity is key to Scotland and the UK’s economic and social recovery from the pandemic; our S4GI programme is a blueprint for other government interventions. We are working closely with the Shared Rural Network and mobile operators to share knowledge and best practice so more people across Scotland can enjoy better access to mobile services. Continued investment in mobile infrastructure, whether by the Scottish Government or through commercial build, will help keep people safe and protect livelihoods. It offers local communities and businesses a fundamental opportunity to rebuild and prosper.”
Kate Forbes MSP and Former Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance & the Economy
“There are some real synergies between the Shared Rural Network programme and Infralink – efficient deployment to ensure value for money, the sharing of data and information to help iron out any potential challenges, and upfront engagement between MNOs and local authorities. The importance of the latter cannot be underestimated. The collaborative approach taken for SRN is one that will make the difference in terms of Scotland getting the most from SRN and improved mobile connectivity.”
Sarah Eynon, Former Infralink Programme lead at Scottish Futures Trust
“The Shared Rural Network is a positive development for our members, the tech industry and the UK as a whole. Access to 4G will transform the way in which rural communities access information, work and learn remotely, use online services, and stay connected with friends and family. Digital technology plays a pivotal role in so many aspects of our lives, whether social, economic, or environmental, and it’s encouraging to see the Shared Rural Network helping close the digital divide between urban and rural areas.”
Julian David, CEO, techUK
