EE built or upgraded nearly 120 4G sites across Scotland last year, and is planning to extend coverage to nearly 230 more rural areas.

The broadband and mobile firm is taking part in the Shared Rural Network initiative to extend coverage in rural areas across the UK. EE, which is part of the BT Group, says it hopes to provide 4G sites to 227 Scottish areas by 2024.

Ofcom’s latest report on connectivity across the UK showed EE has the highest levels of 4G coverage across Scotland’s landmass at 75 percent.

Since December 2021, EE has upgraded 4G in the following 119 rural areas - equating to more than 500 square miles of coverage:

  • 26 locations in Highland
  • 15 locations in Argyll and Bute
  • 15 locations in Scottish Borders
  • 11 locations in Dumfries and Galloway
  • 9 locations in Aberdeenshire
  • 5 locations in Perth and Kinross
  • 5 locations in South Lanarkshire
  • 5 locations in Fife

Moving forward, upgrades from EE by 2024 will include around 80 in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland as well as nearly 40 in the North East.

Since December 2021, EE has upgraded 4G in 119 rural areas
Since December 2021, EE has upgraded 4G in 119 rural areas

Philip Jansen, Chief Executive of BT Group, said: "BT is committed to ensuring that even the most remote areas of the country are connected. Despite a challenging economic environment, we’re continuing to invest in rural infrastructure to achieve that.

"EE’s 4G has expanded by 500 square miles over the past year and we continue to be the sole provider of mobile services in many areas of the UK."

Many of the upgrades have helped improve coverage throughout Scotland's road network, a key benefit of the Shared Rural Network programme.

People using the motorway network, or driving along key 'A' roads, will see considerable improvements to 4G coverage including the M74, A1 and M9.

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