Quicker Scottish 5G Rollout with New Mast Location Scheme

5G rollout in Scotland to be accelerated by removing the barriers in installing 5G masts.

16:41 10 March 2021

Scotland is set to rollout 5G sooner than expected with a new scheme to identify ideal locations for 5G masts. The programme will use public buildings and street masts and antennae as a way of reducing barriers in installing them.

 

The scheme, which is led by the Scottish Futures Trust and is part of Infralink programme, will see the installation of 124 masts across the country.

 

Reacting to the news, Scottish Government connectivity minister Paul Wheelhouse said that the scheme is a game-changer.

 

"The changes in the way we use digital technology to stay connected over the past 12 months have shown how vital reliable digital connectivity is in all of our lives," he said.

 

"Continued investment in mobile infrastructure, and the tools to remove barriers and make collaboration straightforward for all parties involved, is essential to Scotland's social and economic recovery from the pandemic."

 

Sarah Eynon, Infralink programme lead at Scottish Futures Trust, said the scheme "offers a win-win situation for both the public sector and operators, but Scottish citizens and businesses will reap the ultimate rewards".