A Highland community is still waiting to connect to a mobile phone mast nine months after it was erected near their homes.
Residents in Strathconon say they have been desperate for improved phone and internet access for years and the issue has become more acute during the Covid-19 lockdown.
More than 100 residents, as well as teachers, visitors and contractors would benefit from 4G mobile and broadband internet access.
Retired police officer Don MacKinnon said the community had hopes raised when the Scottish 4G Infill Programme was announced and it was identified as a prime site for location of a mast.
He said: “However, after installation of a mast in July 2019 we appear to be no further forward in getting access to the promised 4G network and in the current circumstances reliable and fast internet access is needed more now than ever before.
“We have an elderly community, some of whom are shielding and wish to avail themselves of the priority online shopping delivery, children who need online schooling and parents who want the option to work from home and all of this requires good internet access.
“As a community we are very frustrated by the lack of action in relation to completing the connection to the 4G network.”
In letters to the Scottish Government Mr MacKinnon said mobile phone signal in Strathconon is “non-existent” and the delay in getting the mast operational seems “unacceptable”.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said it is addressing more than 40 ‘not spots’ across Scotland through £25 million investment in the Scottish 4G Infill programme.
“The mast at Strathconon is one of a number of S4GI masts that are being built using Scottish Government funding.
“In an agreement with the Home Office it is proposed the mast will help deliver the new Emergency Services Network as well as providing access for commercial mobile network services.
“As the Home Office is the anchor tenant for this particular mast, we need their agreement for its activation for general 4G services, which will be provided by EE.”
“We are working collaboratively with the Home Office and EE and are close to reaching a solution which will enable activation of the mast.
“After this, we will begin the process of activating the mast, working within current guidelines arising from Covid-19.”
