The SRN is a joint initiative between mobile network operators and the UK Government aimed at extending 4G connectivity to 95% of the country’s landmass by the end of 2025.

These most recent updates by Virgin Media O2 have covered an area of nearly 2,200 square kilometres, benefitting approximately 50,000 people.

The 50th site to experience 4G connectivity as part of this push was the village of Helmsdale in the Scottish Highlands. During this recent rollout, 39 of the 50 masts installed or upgraded for 4G capabilities were in Scotland.

With a quarter of them in Argyll Bute, and the rest in Aberdeenshire, the Scottish Borders, the Hebrides, the Highlands, Stirling, Fife, Dumfries, East Lothian and Perth and Kinross.

Commenting on the rollout in Scotland, Douglas Ross MSP for Highlands and Islands and Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, said: “I am acutely aware of how important improvements in mobile connectivity are for people and businesses in our area.

“This will help to support local businesses as well as residents frustrated with poor mobile signal.

“I am committed to continuing to push for further boosts in mobile and broadband connectivity throughout our rural and remote communities.”

The remaining sites are situated in eastern parts of England, including rural areas in Yorkshire, Suffolk, and Kent. These upgrades have resulted in faster data speeds, more reliable connectivity, and improved voice call quality in regions that previously suffered from poor or limited services.

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In addition to the 50 sites already live, Virgin Media O2 has received planning consent for future works at another 100 sites, indicating further progress in expanding connectivity.

“In the weeks and months ahead we’ll continue pushing forward with our rural investments, building new masts and upgrading existing ones across various remote UK locations as we work to tackle the urban-rural digital divide,” said Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2.

Through the Shared Rural Network initiative, 84% of the UK’s landmass will receive 4G coverage from all four mobile network operators, while 95% will have 4G connectivity provided by at least one operator.

This ambitious project aims to ensure that rural communities across the country have equal access to reliable and high-speed mobile services, enabling them to participate fully in the digital economy.