O2 has boosted its 4G and 5G network capacity in Scotland as new research uncovers that a whopping 48% of Brits are planning a Scottish staycation in 2025.
The telecommunications company has upgraded mobile coverage in over 13,000 Scottish postcodes within the last 12 months, including some of the UK’s most remote destinations.
The upgrades extend to cover popular tourist destinations, with major improvements in coverage across the Highlands and nearly 800 upgraded postcodes in Edinburgh alone.
O2 has also brought reliable connectivity to unique Scottish tourist destinations that previously had none.
These include Corrour Station, the UK’s highest and most remote railway stop which was famously featured in Trainspotting, and Barra Airport, the only airport in the world with a scheduled beach runway and tidal timetable.
On top of this, small cells to boost network capacity in Perth have been recently installed, as well as O2’s next-gen 5G standalone network in Stirling being switched on.
The upgrades are part of O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest approximately £700 million this year to futureproof its mobile network, focused on expanding 4G and 5G coverage.
The announcement of the upgraded network capacity comes as new research highlights how Brits are planning to holiday amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. It found that nearly half (48%) of people are planning a staycation in Scotland, with 41% intentionally staying in the UK to save money.
While the research shows Brits are eager to get off the beaten track, they don’t want to go entirely off grid however. 62% of people worry about getting lost without GPS, while over half (55%) fear not being able to find or contact their accommodation.
Further, nearly half (48%) are concerned about locating nearby places to eat, drink, or explore, while for families around a third (31%) say reliable mobile signal is essential for keeping children entertained during travel. 43% also say that streaming music or podcasts is key to their holiday experience.
“Scotland has always been one of the most beautiful and remote destinations in the UK but now it’s better connected than ever before,” said Dr. Robert Joyce, who’s director of mobile access engineering at O2.
“Thanks to O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, whether they’re hiking the Highlands, flying into Barra, or visiting a rural island, visitors can stay connected when and where it matters most.”
Source: https://www.digit.fyi/o2-boosts-4g-and-5g-amid-scottish-staycation-boom/
