A RURAL Peeblesshire community has received a mobile coverage boost as part of a scheme to tackle signal ‘not-spots’.

Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone have expanded their 4G networks to Traquair as part of a collaboration with governments both side of the border.

The upgrade works in the village mean residents, businesses and visitors are now benefitting from better mobile coverage, as well as greater choice of provider.

The rollout is part of a commitment to the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme.

Jeanie York, chief technology officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re committed to investing in our network and providing seamless connectivity for all our customers across the UK. By working closely with industry partners and across government, we are delivering upgrades that will significantly improve 4G networks in rural communities, providing local people and businesses with faster and more reliable coverage than ever before, while also delivering benefits for the local economy and tourism.”

The works form part of a commitment to the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme – created and funded by the mobile industry, Ofcom and UK Government.

Both Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone are also in partnership with Holyrood and its Scottish 4G Infill programme (S4GI).

Andrea Dona, Vodafone’s network and development director in the UK, said: “We remain committed to improving rural connectivity across Scotland. Vodafone played a leading role in the conception of the Scottish 4G Infill programme when it was the first to go live with 4G at the New Luce site and that, alongside the Shared Rural Network programme is ensuring that we can now bring connectivity to the remotest parts of Scotland – connecting places for the first time and offering communities a wider choice of networks. We’re looking forward to announcing more locations going live as part of the programme in the future.”

Business minister Ivan McKee MSP added: “This is great news and will be welcomed by the local communities. Our successful S4GI programme continues to deliver life-changing mobile connectivity to 55 rural and island communities that wouldn’t otherwise get access to this vital service.

“Thanks to the infrastructure deployed by our S4GI programme, Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 are now able to provide improved connectivity to local residents, businesses and visitors in these communities, enhancing the way they work, communicate and access public services.”