Works to upgrade a rural mast in the Lockerbie area have been successfully completed, a milestone in an ongoing scheme funded by the UK government to improve 4G coverage across Scotland.

Residents and businesses across the east of Dumfries and Galloway will now benefit from 'strong and reliable' 4G coverage.

The project was the first of more than120 planned mast upgrades due to be carried out over the next year across Scotland in a £75m scheme funded by the UK government's Shared Rural Network fund – which itself is past of a wider £1 billion project with the UK’s four mobile network operators (MNOs) - EE, VMO2, Three and Vodafone - to improve 4G coverage and level-up connectivity across the UK.

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Chloe Smith, UK Science and Technology Secretary said: "We are investing in the things that matter to the people of the UK, and this includes funding strong, reliable 4G signal for rural communities struggling with poor coverage.

"Our £75 million investment means people across Scotland will benefit from upgraded "infrastructure that is fit for the future, starting with the first mast upgrade in Dumfries and Galloway.

"Growing our economy is one of the Prime Minister's top priorities and this includes bringing fast, reliable mobile signal to wherever people are, giving them all the connectivity they need to work, shop and keep in touch online."