Delivering mobile connectivity to some of the most remote parts of the UK is a unique challenge. Rural communities across the Highlands and Islands have historically struggled with poor or non-existent mobile coverage, creating digital divides that impact local residents, businesses and vital road networks. WIG has made extensive investments in rural Scotland to address these challenges. Our long-term build-to-suit programme, launched in 2018, is designed to deliver new infrastructure in partnership with mobile operators. One of the most significant examples of this investment is the new high-capacity tower at Milton in Easter Ross.
Milton and neighbouring communities in Kildary had become mobile not-spots, with little to no mobile coverage. The surrounding areas and a 15-mile stretch of the nearby A9, a critical transport corridor, also struggled with poor signal. As a result, local residents, businesses and travellers faced serious communication barriers that restricted access to essential digital services and limited economic opportunities.
WIG collaborated closely with local planners, O2 and Scottish Water to deliver a new 50-metre tower at Milton, the first of its kind to be deployed in the UK for more than a decade. The tower was designed and built on a Scottish Water facility following extensive consultation with the community, ensuring that local voices were considered throughout the process.
In contrast to traditional telecoms masts, this new infrastructure has been built at a scale that dramatically increases coverage, therefore delivering up to three times the signal range. As a result, the tower now provides reliable 4G coverage across Milton, Kildary and 15 additional rural communities, while also extending connectivity for 10 extra miles of the A9.
The tower has also been future-proofed, offering capacity for all mobile network operators and other wireless networks to connect. This ensures that the infrastructure will continue to deliver long-term value and support improved digital services in the region.
For the first time, Milton, Kildary and 15 other villages enjoy consistent, high-quality mobile connectivity. This expanded coverage gives residents and businesses better access to essential communication and digital services, supporting local enterprise and helping reduce the isolation often felt in rural areas.
Drivers and passengers on the A9 can now stay connected, improving safety in emergencies and making everyday travel more convenient and reliable
WIG, O2, Scottish Water and local planners worked together to deliver this project, proving that powerful results can be achieved when industry expertise align with public-sector support. The partnership sets a new benchmark for tackling rural connectivity challenges.
The infrastructure’s scale and design means it can adapt to evolving connectivity demands, ensuring the region remains connected as technology advances and community needs grow.
