Down on the farm
Saturday, 03 December 2022
Mobile
All things mobile
The Scottish Government’s Scottish 4G Infill Programme (S4GI) is a £28.75 million initiative delivering 4G infrastructure and services in up to 55 mobile “notspots” in rural and remote parts of Scotland. S4GI is being delivered in partnership with WHP Telecoms and the Scottish Futures Trust, and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support activity in the Highlands and Islands.
The S4GI mast in Auchenhessnane, Dumfries and Galloway has made a huge difference to some local businesses and has helped put them on the map. We caught up with Deborah Maxwell, local resident and owner of the Nith Valley Alpaca Farm near Thornhill, to find out what difference this increased connectivity has brought to her business:
“Since opening in 2017, we have relied on online marketing to help our business grow. Now, with a reliable mobile connection more visitors can find out about our farm."
“Due to COVID-19 and the staycations, we have seen a large increase in visitors to the area. However, it was often hard to get a mobile signal on the farm which has meant that visitors struggle to find the farm."
“Now, thanks to the new S4GI mast, visitors can find out where we are located, look at our website and see our posts on Facebook and Instagram."
“The 4G has also meant that customers have easier access to the internet while at the farm – meaning that we have also seen an increase in customers posting images of the farm and alpacas online, as well as positive reviews!"
This case study is an example of the huge benefits the #S4GI programme is bringing to local communities. Find out more here: Scottish 4G infill programme: progress update - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)