4G mobile broadband statistics: FOI release

Information requested

1. How many homes in Scotland have access to 4G mobile broadband? (an approximate would be suitable).

2. How many homes in Scotland do not have access to 4G mobile broadband? (an approximate would be suitable).

3. How many homes in rural parts of Scotland have access to 4G mobile broadband? (an approximate number would be suitable).

4. How many homes in rural parts of Scotland do not have access to 4G mobile broadband? (an approximate number would be suitable).

5. What percentage of Scotland is current covered by 4G mobile broadband?

6. What percentage of Scotland currently has no access to 4G mobile broadband?

7. In terms of those who have no access to 4G mobile broadband, can you outline where those places are?

8. How long does the Scottish Government believe it will take for 100% of Scotland to have access to 4G mobile broadband?

9. Are there any anticipated problems with any area eventually receiving 4G mobile broadband, particularly rural parts of Scotland?

Response

1. How many homes in Scotland have access to 4G mobile broadband? (an approximate would be suitable).

The Scottish Government does not hold information on the number of homes in Scotland that have access to 4G mobile broadband. Ofcom publishes information on the percentage of premises in Scotland with indoor and outdoor access to 4G mobile broadband but does not give a figure specifically for homes. This is available here: Connected Nations and infrastructure reports - Ofcom.

2. How many homes in Scotland do not have access to 4G mobile broadband? (an approximate would be suitable).

The Scottish Government does not hold information on the number of homes in Scotland that do not have access to 4G mobile broadband. Ofcom publishes information on the percentage of premises in Scotland with no access to 4G mobile broadband, however this measure does not refer specifically to homes. This is available here: Connected Nations and infrastructure reports - Ofcom.                                  

3. How many homes in rural parts of Scotland have access to 4G mobile broadband? (an approximate number would be suitable).

The Scottish Government does not hold information on the number of homes in rural parts of Scotland that have access to 4G mobile broadband. Data published by Ofcom gives the percentage of premises in rural parts of Scotland with indoor and outdoor access to 4G mobile broadband, however this measure does not refer specifically to homes. This information can be found here: Connected Nations and infrastructure reports - Ofcom.                                      

4. How many homes in rural parts of Scotland do not have access to 4G mobile broadband? (an approximate number would be suitable).

The Scottish Government does not hold information on the number of homes in rural parts of Scotland that do not have access to 4G mobile broadband. Data published by Ofcom gives the percentage of premises in rural areas with no access to 4G mobile broadband, however this measure does not refer specifically to homes. This is available here: Connected Nations and infrastructure reports - Ofcom.

5. What percentage of Scotland is current covered by 4G mobile broadband?

The Scottish Government does not hold information on the percentage of Scotland that is covered by 4G mobile broadband. According to Ofcom’s most recent Connected Nations update (Spring 2024) however, geographic 4G coverage from all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) sits at 50%, with 85% coverage from at least one operator (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/coverage-andspeeds/ connected-nations-spring-2024-interactive-report/)/).

6. What percentage of Scotland currently has no access to 4G mobile broadband?

The Scottish Government does not hold this information, however according to Ofcom’s Connected Nations update (Spring 2024), the percentage of Scotland that is served by no MNOs is 15% (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/coverage-and-speeds/connected-nations-spring-2024-interactive-report/)/).

7. In terms of those who have no access to 4G mobile broadband, can you outline where those places are?

The Scottish Government does not hold this information however Ofcom’s mobile coverage checker is available here: View mobile availability - Ofcom Checker.

8. How long does the Scottish Government believe it will take for 100% of Scotland to have access to 4G mobile broadband?

The Scottish Government does not hold information on when 100% 4G coverage could be achieved. The UK Government’s (UKG) Shared Rural Network (SRN) Programme aims to deliver 91% 4G geographic coverage by at least one MNO in Scotland and 74% geographic 4G coverage from all MNOs by 2027. Though this is a UKG initiative, and the Scottish Government is unable to provide further details on its deployment, we continue to engage with the UKG and its delivery body to understand the benefits of the programme to Scotland and encourage it to adopt lessons learned from the now completed Scottish 4G Infill (S4GI) Programme.

9. Are there any anticipated problems with any area eventually receiving 4G mobile broadband, particularly rural parts of Scotland?

As the rollout of 4G mobile broadband continues, the Scottish Government is aware that the SRN Programme is in discussion with stakeholders on the matter of mast locations. We recognise that some organisations and individuals have concerns about the impact of SRN on Scotland’s wilderness areas and are working to facilitate discussions between these stakeholders, the UKG and its programme partners to identify issues and reach mutually acceptable solutions.

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