'It's not just frustrating for people when they can't get a signal, it actually damages business'
MSP welcomes boost to mobile coverage on Southern Upland Way
Last updated 28th May 2025
It's claimed more needs to be done to improve the mobile phone signal in remote and rural areas of the Scottish Borders.
Parts of the Southern Upland Way are to benefit from a mast upgrade announced by the UK government this morning (Wednesday).
But South of Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth wants to go further - and end what he calls the digital divide.
"Ultimately, what I want to see is all of the Borders having good high-quality mobile phone connectivity," he told Greatest Hits Radio.
"This investment will continue to improve that; it will take connectivity across the UK to around 95 per cent of land mass, and I know there are further improvements being planned."
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Across Scotland, 13 masts, which previously only worked for EE customers and those making 999 calls, have been upgraded - to connect to all four mobile networks.
"It's not just frustrating for people when they can't get a signal, it actually damages business, including tourism," Mr Smyth said.
"When people visit our area, they expect to be able to make bookings for events and restaurants online, and to get information about the area on their phone."
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The upgrades are part of the UK Government's Shared Rural Network programme, a partnership with mobile network operators aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas throughout Britain.
Mr Smyth said: "For far too long, there's been a digital divide between communities in the Borders and some of our cities, and this investment will help stop that.
"Improving digital connectivity is a key priority for the new UK government because it's so vital when it comes to delivering jobs."
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