WIG has delivered a multi-operator mobile tower in Shetland, extending high-quality 4G mobile broadband services to the remote community of Walls. The project formed part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN), a £1 billion joint initiative between the UK’s mobile network operators and the UK Government, designed to eliminate partial “not-spots” and bring improved mobile coverage to rural and hard-to-reach areas. The Walls tower is one of over 3,000 WIG sites nationwide and stands as a strong example of how shared networks can transform digital access in rural areas.
Large parts of the Shetland Islands, including the community of Walls, have long struggled with unreliable mobile signal. Remote geography, rugged terrain and harsh weather made infrastructure deployment difficult, leaving residents and businesses with limited access to mobile services. This lack of connectivity affected daily communication, online access and local livelihoods, while poor network reliability hindered business activity and tourism, widening the digital divide between rural and urban areas.
In partnership with anchor tenant Virgin Media O2 and SRN partners Vodafone and Three UK, WIG delivered a new shared tower site in Shetland designed for high performance and future readiness. The 25-metre lattice tower was engineered to withstand the region’s high wind speeds and harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-term resilience.
Built on a shared infrastructure model, the site supports multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) from day one and is fully prepared for future 5G upgrades. To maximise efficiency and minimise environmental impact, the tower was strategically located adjacent to a Scottish Water facility, allowing the use of existing access tracks and integration with the surrounding infrastructure.
The build was successfully delivered through WIG’s specialist partners, Beacon Comms as principal contractor and local expert Tulloch Developments, whose extensive experience in Shetland proved invaluable to the project’s success.
Walls and neighbouring communities now benefit from strong and consistent mobile coverage, delivered by multiple mobile operators. This enhanced connectivity enables residents, businesses and visitors to stay connected, access online services and communicate reliably.
The site was designed to host multiple mobile network operators from day one, maximising efficiency and minimising environmental impact. This shared approach reduces the need for duplicate infrastructure, lowers operational costs and supports a more sustainable model for delivering mobile services in rural areas.
Every element of the build, from its engineering to its material selection, was designed with durability and reliability in mind, ensuring consistent network performance all year-round.
Engineered with long-term scalability, the infrastructure is fully equipped to support future technology advancements, including 5G upgrades. This ensures that the site will continue to meet growing demand for faster, more reliable mobile connectivity as digital needs evolve.
The project’s success was underpinned by close collaboration between WIG, local contractors and utility partners. By working alongside organisations such as Scottish Water and trusted local specialists, the build was delivered efficiently, in harmony with the community and with a shared commitment to improving local connectivity.
