Could lighthouses provide the solution to poor mobile phone coverage?

Lighthouses could be used to help boost mobile phone coverage across remote parts of Scotland, particularly on the isles.

The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, on the northern tip of Lewis.

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil is continuing to push for coverage across, including the introduction of 4G coverage.

He has received a positive response from the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) who have indicated a willingness to work with mobile operators to make progress in this area.

Mr MacNeil had contacted NLB following a query from EE on the use of sites which could allow them to improve coverage.

This could mean NLB would allow operators to use their facilities to enhance coverage, particularly in his constituency.

Mr MacNeil said: “I wrote to NLB at the end of last year after discussions with mobile operators on how to escalate the timetable for bringing 4G to the area.

“NLB have said that they are committed to developing the Scottish economy and are therefore open to discussions with mobile providers on where opportunities might lie.

“I would like to thank NLB for their prompt sensible response and their ability to see the bigger picture.”

He added: ““I have already received confirmation from Vodafone that 4G will be delivered to the islands within the next two years but the sooner all companies have infrastructure in place to do this, the better for the economy of the islands.

“I look forward to further discussions with operators and NLB on how we can take this forward.”

Extension of the mobile networks is dependent on the roll out and availability of fibre broadband as this is needed to connect masts to the core network.

Following discussions with Mr MacNeil, BT have also given a commitment to work closely with mobile operators to support development of coverage extension.