Virgin Media O2’s investment to bring reliable mobile coverage to Argyll and Bute welcomed by local MSP

• Jenni Minto, the MSP for Argyll and Bute, welcomed Virgin Media O2’s multi-million pound investment in the area during a visit to a new tower in Tighnabruaich which will provide improved mobile coverage to the remote community
• As part of its commitment to the £1bn Shared Rural Network programme, Virgin Media O2 will build a total of 40 masts in Argyll and Bute, transforming connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors
• Scotland’s Highlands and Islands are among the areas set to benefit most from Shared Rural Network upgrades

Jenni Minto, the MSP for Argyll and Bute, has welcomed Virgin Media O2’s investment to transform mobile connectivity in her constituency during a trip to one of the operator’s new masts in Tighnabruaich.

During a visit to the new 4G mast in Tignabruaich, which will deliver a much-needed mobile signal boost to the nearby Firth of Clyde and the Mull of Kintyre, the MSP was updated on Virgin Media O2’s work to build or upgrade 40 masts in her constituency as part of the Shared Rural Network programme.

The new masts will provide a huge improvement to mobile coverage in the area where, until recently, many people have experienced little to no mobile signal from most mobile network operators.

Currently, just 26% of the Highlands and Islands benefits from 4G coverage from all four mobile network operators – Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, EE and Three. This will more than double to 68% after all Shared Rural Network upgrades have been delivered.

The upgrades will provide residents, businesses and visitors to Argyll and Bute with faster and more reliable mobile connectivity than ever before, making it easier to access online services, work and stay connected with friends and family, while also offering them a greater choice of mobile provider. It will also provide consumers with more choice than ever before.

Jenni Minto, the MSP for Argyll and Bute, said: “I welcome Virgin Media O2’s investment in Argyll and Bute that will help ensure that my constituents have access to reliable mobile connectivity. For too long, many areas like this one have been at a disadvantage when it comes to connectivity.

“It is fantastic to see how the company is bringing mobile coverage to Tighnabruaich, 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 mobile networks.”

Steven Verigotta, Director of Mobile Delivery at Virgin Media O2, said: “Our Shared Rural Network rollout is making a real, tangible difference to people’s lives. We’re continuing to play our part in bringing reliable 4G coverage to more rural locations across Britain and helping to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban communities.

“Rural Scotland is one of the places benefitting most from our investment, with new and upgraded masts already significantly improving the region’s mobile coverage. We are committed to continuing this rollout and bringing reliable mobile connectivity to more rural areas throughout 2024 and beyond.”