Alyn Smith, the MP for Stirling, has welcomed Virgin Media O2’s investment in his constituency during a visit to the first of seven masts being built, which will significantly boost mobile connectivity in the area.
The upgrade will tackle the countless not-spots and areas of patchy signal. It will also provide residents, businesses and visitors with faster and more reliable mobile connectivity, making it easier to access online services and stay connected with friends and family.
Currently, almost one third (29 per cent) of the area lacks 4G coverage from all four MNOs – Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, EE and Three – with signal blackspots creating an issue for local people and visitors alike. The SRN upgrade programme will help tackle this, providing essential connectivity to people in historic not-spots such as this.
Smith said, "I am delighted to see further Virgin Media O2 investment in the area of Stirling that will help ensure that my constituents have access to reliable mobile connectivity. As with many rural areas, Stirling has previously been at a disadvantage when it comes to connectivity.
"It is fantastic to see how the company is bringing mobile coverage to this beautiful part of the world, 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 rural networks."
Jeanie York, chief technology officer at Virgin Media O2, said, "At Virgin Media O2, we are committed to playing our part in bringing reliable 4G coverage to communities all over Britain to help bridge the urban-rural digital divide. We’re going to extraordinary lengths to connect the most remote and isolated locations, including using helicopters to fly in phone masts where we need to, as part of our unwavering focus on delivering the Shared Rural Network programme.
"Many rural parts of Scotland are already benefiting from our rollout of new and upgraded masts, and we are delighted to bring enhanced mobile connectivity to the beautiful area of Stirling. Our Shared Rural Network rollout continues at pace, with more locations set to benefit in the near future."