Making a difference to local businesses in Orkney

Saturday, 03 December 2022

The Scottish Government’s Scottish 4G Infill Programme (S4GI) is a £28.75 million initiative delivering 4G infrastructure and services in up to 55 mobile “notspots” in rural and remote parts of Scotland.

S4GI is being delivered in partnership with WHP Telecoms Ltd and the Scottish Futures Trust, and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support activity in the Highlands and Islands.

Thanks to this programme, businesses in Deerness, Orkney are now able to offer an improved experience to customers and visitors following the activation of the Strathconon mast.

Owner and founder of Deerness Distillery Stuart Brown said: “The new 4G mast in Deerness is a real benefit to our business with regards to additional connectivity for visitors and tourists.

"Tourists can now navigate via Google Maps to our Visitors’ Centre. They are able check-in, leave reviews and upload pictures of their fun experience at the distillery. It is also helpful during times of broadband outages for back-up payments over the 4G network – we’ve previously lost out on customer purchases.

“4G has helped us with cybersecurity, as many platforms are moving to two-stage verification systems. Being able to receive an SMS to obtain a password is great. Prior to this, we had to walk or drive one mile up the road to obtain signal.”

This case study is an example of the huge benefits the #S4GI programme is bringing to local communities.