THE 5G rollout in Scotland is to be speeded up through a new scheme that will identify public buildings suitable for masts and antennae, the Scottish Government has announced.
A total of 124 masts are to be installed to improve reception in rural parts of Scotland.
The new scheme will be funded by the Scotland 5G Centre, a Scottish Government-funded national centre set up to promote the rollout and adoption of 5G. It is part of the Infralink programme led by the Scottish Futures Trust.
Scottish Government Connectivity Minister Paul Wheelhouse said the scheme was “game-changing”.
“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 offered “a win-win situation for both the public sector and operators, but Scottish citizens and businesses will reap the ultimate rewards”.
In addition, an advisory group created by the Scotland 5G Centre is to engage with SMEs to understand their current challenges and raise awareness of how 5G can play a role in helping them grow their businesses.
“We also aim to bridge the technology and digital skills gap in business, supporting the transition to data-driven solutions and outcomes, and work with businesses and people to develop their skills to in this exciting sector,” said chair Claire Gillespie, digital technologies sector skills manager at Skills Development Scotland.
Julie Snell, chair of the Scotland 5G Centre, added: “The formation of the strategic advisory group is another key step in our commitment to creating a world-leading hub for knowledge, expertise and innovations regarding 5G. It will help shape our agenda and, through their extensive knowledge and networks, provide unbiased insight.”
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