The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on the Scottish Government to change planning rules in order to boost Scotland’s mobile coverage. In response to a consultation on proposed changes to the planning system, the FSB urged for ministers to follow through on suggestions to remove some planning requirements for telecommunications developments.
This would make it easier to install digital infrastructure, and could help boost the mobile signal in areas that are currently poorly served. Current figures suggest that between 38% and 50% of Aberdeenshire does not currently receive 3G mobile signal.
Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East has backed the calls from the FSB, as the proposal could help a lot of small businesses in Aberdeenshire and Angus who are currently struggling with mobile connectivity.
Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East said:
“The lack of mobile signal has been a longstanding problem in many rural communities in Aberdeenshire, and one that still has not been effectively dealt with. Huge areas still do not have access to a 3G signal, with around 15% still not having access to even a 2G signal.
“This is not only proving to be a huge inconvenience for local residents, but it is also adversely harming our local economy. In this day and age it is becoming ever more important for our businesses to have access to a strong and reliable mobile signal, but we risk getting left behind.
“We must do everything in our power to improve the current situation, and a change in the current planning laws could help achieve this. By making it easier to site equipment needed for a better digital infrastructure we could go a long way towards extending 2G and 3G signals.”
Nanette Milne, MSP said:
“As long as any signal masts were placed responsibly and when there were no local objections, I cannot see why we should not move ahead with this suggestion. Our businesses are crying out for better mobile connectivity and this is an effective way of providing them with it.”