A new online platform that shows locations of over 140,000 public sector land, buildings and street furniture assets where mobile network equipment can be installed has been launched to boost Scotland’s 5G connectivity.

The Infralink-Exchange platform forms part of a project designed to accelerate mobile digital connectivity across Scotland.

It details public sector-owned assets, such as land, buildings, streetlights, and CCTV, across its pilot area of the Tay Cities region (Fife, Perth & Kinross, Dundee City and Angus Councils) that would be suitable for mobile phone operators to install mobile network equipment.

The launch follows on from the work of the Infralink programme, established by public sector infrastructure body the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) and funded by Scottish Government. Infralink is aimed at streamlining and speeding up the process of identifying and installing digital communications equipment on public sector buildings and land.

Sarah Eynon, Programme director for Digital Infrastructure at SFT, said: “This is a significant step forward for the project because it means mobile network operators seeking to improve coverage in communities across the region can easily access the robust database of over 140,000 assets and easily find out where they can install macro and small cell equipment as well as details of potential willing landlords.

“Increasing Scotland’s connectivity is a crucial economic driver towards post-pandemic recovery and to further attracting inward investment. Key to the success of the pilot project is having a process for data identification, incorporation and management that is sustainable and can be applied across the whole of Scotland.

“We will share what we have learnt and the approach we have used, to allow others to replicate it and use it across the country to help facilitate swifter and wider adoption of 5G, and the widespread benefits this will bring.”

The asset information is hosted on Sitenna’s platform and can be used to promote the assets and the terms they can be leased on. Providing a single point of entry, standardised commercial tools and a digitised lease management tool allows smoother interactions between local authorities and industry during contract negotiation.

The Infralink-Exchange platform is one of eight pilot projects focused on making public assets available to speed up 4G and 5G deployment. All projects were awarded UK Government funding earlier this year.

It was the only Scottish project of eight to be awarded a share of £4m funding earlier this year from the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. It received £500,000 from the Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator (DCIA) to explore how digital software can help simplify local authority processes when telecoms operators request access to publicly owned buildings and curb-side infrastructure.

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UK Digital Infrastructure Minister, Julia Lopez, said: “We have funded this innovative project as part of our pioneering programme to explore ways to cut red tape for telecoms firms looking to use roadside infrastructure and buildings to boost 5G coverage.

“It is just one way we’re dialling up mobile coverage right across Scotland, such as the government-led Shared Rural Network which will bring fast and reliable 4G signal to hard-to-reach areas through a £1 billion investment.”

Economy Secretary, Kate Forbes, added: “The Infralink-Exchange pilot aims to invest in improved coverage across the region by streamlining processes like identifying sites, drawing up contracts and beginning onsite work. It may also help the mobile industry work with Tay Cities local authorities.

“This project, financially supported by the Scottish Government, could help create jobs while promoting prosperity and improving technology and connectivity in line with our National Strategy for Economic Transformation.”

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