BT planning telecommunications upgrade in Foula

1 June 2026 09:33

Aerial view of a coastal island with rugged terrain, surrounded by the ocean, under a partly cloudy sky. The edge of an aircraft wing is partially visible on the right side.

An aerial view of Foula.

BT is looking to extend the radio towers in Foula to upgrade telecommunications in the island.

A planning supporting statement said the move will improve Foula’s broadband and allow current phone lines to change to the new ‘21st Century’ network before old equipment is switched off, potentially in 2027.

It said this will also keep the island’s payphone in service.

BT is seeking permission to extend the two existing steel towers by just over six metres to reach 11.1 metres in total. The plan is to also house two new 1.8 metre radio dishes.

The supporting statement added: “In order to ensure that there is no risk to existing services, all of the new infrastructure will be established in parallel to the current systems.

“Only once construction activities are completed and tested, will cross-patching take place to bring the new equipment online.”