Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.8°C   E Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / 4G in Lerwick today, rest of Shetland by 2017

SIC economic development director Neil Grant says bringing 4G to Lerwick is a huge step.

THIS WEEKEND saw Lerwick leap into the modern age with its first experience of 4G mobile connectivity, giving superfast internet access on handheld phones.

EE, now the UK’s largest mobile operator and part of communications giant BT, has just announced Lerwick is the first of many locations in Shetland that will soon be able to enjoy a 4G signal this year.

The company says that it will complete 4G coverage across the whole of Shetland and all its islands by the summer of 2017.

Shetland Islands Council’s economic development director Neil Grant said the switch was “hugely important” for Shetland, not just for local businesses, but also to make it a place people want to live, work in and visit.

“From local residents to businesses, there is a growing reliance on mobile devices to provide greater access to information and enable easier communication with customers,” he said.

New EE chief executive Marc Allera said the company aims to connect 95 per cent of the UK landmass, including the most extreme reaches of the country.

He said that with 65,000 visitors to Shetland every year, bringing 4G to the islands demonstrated EE’s growing focus on bringing 4G to areas of the UK that people visit, as well as where they live.

To prove his point EE has switched on 4G in the Isles of Scilly, almost 1,000 miles away at the opposite end of the country.

“We’ve seen the difference that 4G can make right across the UK, and I’m delighted to be able to continue making that difference in one of the most remote parts of the UK,” Allera said.

“This project shows the power of the BT Group as a digital champion for the UK, making new investments to bring high-speed communications to even the most challenging locations.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.