4G will overtake 2G as the main source of coverage in Scotland within two years and extend to 98 percent of the population by 2023, according to a new report by Scottish government.
The report said 4G would spread “surprisingly fast” during the next few years, although it warned that there was a lack of awareness about small cells and too many barriers for the technology to help supplement next generation mobile.
Within two years, 4G will cover 95 percent of the indoor population, far in excess of today’s 2G indoor coverage of 85 percent.
“Our indicative estimates are that the average indoor mobile data speed available across Scotland will increase from about 2.5Mbps in 2012 to approximately 36Mbps by 2023 – equivalent to an average compound annual growth rate of 27 percent over this period,” the report said.
However, the report warned the Scottish planning constraints on mobile networks are more prohibitive as compared to the other parts of the UK and that the rules could put the country at competitive disadvantage.
It said it was more difficult to get permission to roll out small cells and there was also a lack of awareness about what femtocells could do to improve reception indoors.
As well as reducing planning restrictions, it recommended the complexity and burden of non-domestic rates on mobile cell sites, which can lead to high running costs, be reduced. It also recommended the Scottish Government looks at making the cost of fibre backhaul cheaper in areas with poor coverage, as well as allowing networks to build infrastructure on publicly owned buildings.
The Scottish Government this week launched a consultation into simplifying the planning process for installing and running mobile sites. Minister for Planning and Local Government Derek Mackay said: “This consultation represents a further step on Scotland’s journey to becoming a world-leading digital nation by 2020. It will run for six weeks and suggests changes to support the rollout of digital infrastructure across Scotland.”
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