Vodafone’s commitment to rural 4G

Improving 4G signal as part of the Shared Rural Network isn’t easy, as Vodafone UK News followed the muddy footsteps of engineers and network specialists.

Placing a new mobile mast is never a simple task. It can take months – even years – of planning and work. From searching for a suitable location to negotiating with landlords and engaging with local planning departments. Then there’s the small matter of ensuring there’s an energy supply and the backhaul connection needed for the mast to connect to the rest of the Vodafone network and the wider internet. All of this needs to be done before construction can even begin.

However, if that potential mast happens to be on or near a Scottish mountain (or munro in hiking parlance), then it comes with additional challenges. Just before Christmas 2023, a team of Vodafone Engineers and Network Specialists (and one plucky cameraman) donned their thermals and hiking boots to visit potential future mast sites located across western Scotland.