Island Life Gets a Connectivity Boost: New Mobile Tower Delivered by Helicopter to Skye
The new tower is already being used heavily by the local community, with anecdotal evidence suggesting it’s one of the busiest EE mobile sites in the area.
Isle of Skye residents and visitors are now enjoying improved mobile connectivity thanks to a new mast brought to the region by helicopter. The innovative deployment, driven by EE, is a welcome addition to the island’s infrastructure, bringing enhanced 4G coverage to 330,000 square meters of its central and northern areas.
Connecting Communities and Boosting Local Business
The dawn of reliable mobile service in the Skye’s remote terrain has significant implications for both residents and businesses. Primarily, the new mast is designed to enhance connectivity for emergency services, ensuring faster access to help for lone workers and tourists exploring the island’s rugged beauty.
“Skye is one of the most popular locations in the Scottish Highlands for good reason and is renowned for its rich history, cultural attractions and iconic scenery. This new mast is part of our ongoing commitment to help close the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of reliable 4G connectivity are more widely felt by rural communities in every corner of the UK,” said Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group. “The improved mobile coverage will benefit both residents and local businesses, as well as the many thousands of visitors the island welcomes each year. It also provides an important backup to landlines in case of an emergency.”
Beyond safety, the mast is expected to provide a welcome boost to local businesses by enabling them to better connect with customers and expand their operations. The increased connectivity is also likely to attract new businesses to the area, further bolstering Skye’s economic growth.
A Challenging Deployment, Rewarding Results
Delivering the new tower to Skye was no small feat. Due to the island’s remote location and challenging terrain, EE opted for a helicopter delivery – a strategy not uncommon for connecting remote islands in the Hebrides archipelago. The airlift was vital to ensure the swift installation of the mast and minimize disruption to the local community.
EE’s rival, Virgin Media O2 (VMO2), has also undertaken similar helicopter deployments in remote locations. Last year, the company deployed six masts on neighboring Isle of Islay. Earlier this year, VMO2 followed this up with a deployment on Skye, marking its 100th deployment as part of the Shared Rural Network program.
Heavy Usage, Storm-Tested Success
Initial data indicates that the new mast has been met with enthusiastic adoption by the local population. Network usage has been high since the launch, with a notable surge during Storm Bert. This early demand demonstrates the significant need for improved connectivity in the area and the positive impact of the project.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Connectivity on Skye
The successful deployment of the new mobile tower on Skye highlights the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in remote regions of the UK. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further innovative solutions emerge, bringing faster and more reliable connectivity to even the most isolated communities.
What are the key benefits of improved mobile connectivity for residents and businesses on the Isle of Skye?
## Island Life Gets a Connectivity Boost: An Interview with Greg McCall
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show, Greg. Today we’re talking about EE’s exciting new 4G mast project on the Isle of Skye. Can you tell us a bit about the challenges of bringing connectivity to such a remote location?
**Greg McCall:** Absolutely. The Isle of Skye is breathtakingly beautiful, but its rugged terrain poses real challenges for traditional infrastructure projects. Getting heavy equipment and materials to remote areas can be incredibly difficult and expensive. That’s why we had to get creative and use a helicopter to transport and install the new mast.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite a sight to imagine! What are the potential benefits of this new mast for the local community and businesses?
**Greg McCall:** We’re already seeing a huge positive impact. This new mast significantly enhances 4G coverage across a large area of central and northern Skye, benefiting both residents and tourists. [1](https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2024/12/ee-uk-helicopters-in-new-4g-mast-to-boost-mobile-cover-on-skye.html)
For residents, it means improved access to communication, online services, and emergency services. For businesses, it opens up new possibilities for e-commerce, remote work, and tourism marketing.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned emergency services. How important is mobile connectivity in those situations?
**Greg McCall:** It’s absolutely vital.
The Isle of Skye attracts a lot of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and reliable mobile coverage can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. This new mast ensures faster access to help for lone workers, tourists, and anyone who needs assistance in remote areas. [1](https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2024/12/ee-uk-helicopters-in-new-4g-mast-to-boost-mobile-cover-on-skye.html)
**Interviewer:** It sounds like EE is committed to bridging the digital divide in rural areas. What’s next for EE and connectivity in the Isle of Skye and beyond?
**Greg McCall: ** We are dedicated to bringing reliable connectivity to every corner of the UK. This project in Skye is just one example of our commitment. We will continue to invest in innovative solutions like this to ensure everyone has access to the digital world, no matter where they live.
**Interviewer: ** Thank you for joining us today, Greg, and for sharing your insights on this important project.