The Scotland 5G Centre has launched a new initiative to improve 4G and 5G mobile connectivity across the country.

A new toolkit, released as part of the Infralink programme, will help identify sites on public buildings for masts and antennae – easing the process of reaching agreements to install them.

This aims to break down previous barriers to the rollout of 4G and 5G infrastructure and is expected to lead to significantly faster deployment and increased investment in digital technology.

The new approach will apply to potential sites on land, building and streets, as well as 4G and 5G technology across the country.

In addition, it means Scotland will be the first part of the UK to have national pricing guidance for telecoms.

Connectivity Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Infralink has been a game-changing move for Scotland’s mobile connectivity ambitions and will accelerate our commitment to next-generation connectivity, as set out in our 5G strategy for Scotland.

“The changes in the way we use digital technology to stay connected over the past twelve months have shown how vital reliable digital connectivity is in all of our lives.

“Continued investment in mobile infrastructure, and the tools to remove barriers and make collaboration straightforward for all parties involved, is essential to Scotland’s social and economic recovery from the pandemic.”

The programme is led by the Scottish Futures Trust and is funded by The Scotland 5G Centre.

A connectivity ‘marketplace’ will also launch later this year allowing the public sector and other land and property owners to break down previous legal obstacles and ease the process of striking commercial agreements.

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Hamish MacLeod, Director of Mobile UK, which represents the UK’s mobile operators, said: “Infralink is a welcome and innovative programme that will build new partnerships between the public and private sectors while breaking down barriers towards achieving Scotland’s digital connectivity ambitions.”

Infralink Programme Lead at Scottish Futures Trust Sarah Eynon said: “The Infralink programme provides the ideal opportunity for forward-thinking local authorities and public sector organisations to reap the huge benefits from improved connectivity without overburdening their current resources.

“It offers a win-win situation for both the public sector and operators, but Scottish citizens and businesses will reap the ultimate rewards.”

Infralink is one of The Scotland 5G Centre’s three key ‘Wave 1’ projects. The new initiative follows the recent announcement under the £1 billion Shared Rural Network programme that 124 mobile masts will be erected in a bid to improve coverage in rural areas of Scotland and to reduce ‘notspots’ – places without mobile phone service.