Elected Member Briefing - Mobile Network Coverage in Perth and Kinross

About this Briefing Note

Report by: Graham Pinfield, Smart Perth and Kinross Project Co-ordinator

EMBN Number: 153-25

Date: 25 November 2025

Subject: Mobile Network Coverage in Perth and Kinross

Details

Purpose

This briefing note is to advise elected members of improvements to mobile coverage in Perth and Kinross, and what remains to be done.

Briefing Information

Background

Many rural areas in Perth and Kinross still require significant improvements in mobile connectivity, and we have been working with the main MNO's (Mobile Network Operators) to encourage investment in P&K.  This includes participation in an SFT project - Infralink - to use street furniture to mount small cells to improve mobile connectivity.  This was part of a DCMS Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator (DCIA) programme. 

The latest coverage in Perth and Kinross has been published by OFCOM (see Appendix 1 below). This is the official data based on coverage predictions from the previously four mobile network operators (Three and Vodafone have recently merged).  These predictions are generated using computer programs that simulate the way mobile signals travel from mobile masts and are blocked by any obstructions such as hills, trees, and buildings, and can invariably be inaccurate when discussing with effected communities.  

However, Signal Checker rated P&K as 65th out of 96 areas for mobile coverage in the UK.   

Although telecommunications are under the jurisdiction of the UK Government, the Scottish Government has also taken steps to enhance broadband and mobile coverage. At the regional level, we are participating in initiatives that involve joint efforts with Telecoms firms, the Scottish and UK Governments.  These include the Shared Rural Network (SRN) where UK Government have shared investment with MNOs to provide masts in partial and total not-spot areas.  All sites planned in Perth and Kinross are being progressed in the planning system already, with all but one site already approved although no new SRN applications will be made, see Table 1 below.

We introduced a new telecoms policy as part of our involvement in the UK Government DCIA programme. It covers national policy in terms of the relatively Electronic Communications Code (ECC) and changes favouring the presumption of approval for telecommunications masts and associated permitted development rights in planning. It also reviews the existing telecommunications masts on Council owned land and the associated lease agreements.  

A central initiative we have launched to maximize the potential of our land and public street furniture is the Perth & Kinross Council Small Cell Open Access Agreement. This has not only significantly improved connectivity but has also attracted substantial private investment, as highlighted in our recent press release (see Appendix 2) where we boosted coverage in Perth city centre.  For a further update on our small cell project and framework agreements policies, please visit the Case Study on Perth  for reference. 

Mobile coverage in Perth city centre has certainly improved over the past few years and there is now strong coverage across 3G and 4G. 5G coverage is provided now provided by all networks, although with the strongest best coverage map being from EE, then 02 with Three then Vodafone providing patchy coverage. Rural areas (being sparsely populated) still struggle to attract MNOs with the subsidy provided through the SRN. The MNOs have also indicated plans to upgrade their networks improving both coverage and connectivity.  

Virgin Media O2 has announced that it will provide UK customers with connectivity through Low Earth Orbit satellites in areas where there is no phone signal. This service will only support messaging, maps, and location applications. O2 explained that the current Starlink satellites do not support voice calls, but the next generation will. Additionally, calls made through WhatsApp, which rely on data rather than a phone signal, are expected to work when the service launches in early 2026. BT and EE have also recently announced a significant deal to deploy broadband to customers in rural areas, as Low Earth Orbit satellite technology begins to scale bring connectivity to Rural locations.  

Table 1 - Shared Rural Network Masts in Perth and Kinross 

Conclusions 

Perth and Kinross Council is seeking to improve fibre and mobile network connectivity to reduce digital exclusion and encourage economic growth. Our poor connectivity is a consequence of our rurality and market failure in in privatised telecoms market. 

Improving mobile coverage will also help deliver our Digital Strategy for 2023-27 using to make our services available online for the benefits of people, communities and businesses. 

We will continue to seek opportunities to work with MNOs to improve coverage in both urban and rural areas and are proactive in seeking funding and projects that can help us do this.  The SRN is developing better coverage across rural areas and is progressing with several new mobile masts being erected or in planning. 

Recently Vodafone announced at the Scottish advisory board they have plans to invest £1bn in Scotland to increase both coverage and connectivity. Additionally, the recently announcement between VMO2 and Starlink is encouraging for rural areas where many of the total 'not spots' still exist. 

Appendix 1 - Latest OFCOM coverage data

Mobile Coverage Indoor by 2G,4G,5G, Data and Voice (OUTDOOR) 

Mobile Coverage Indoor by 2G,4G,5G, Data and Voice (INDOOR) 

Mobile Coverage Indoor by 2G,4G,5G, Data and Voice (GEOGRAPHY) 

Further details are available online at: Connected Nations update: Spring 2025.

Appendix 2 - Perth O2 ODSC Sites October 2025

1. Perthshire Advertiser - 4G Cells to improve mobile coverage 

2. Silicon Scotland - Perth takes step forward in digital connectivity with six new outdoor small cells 

3. Smart Cities World - Small cells installed in Perth to boost connectivity 

4. Advanced Television - O2, Freshwave enhance mobile coverage in Perth 

5. ISP Review - O2 UK and Freshwave Expand 4G Small Cells in Perth, Scotland 

6. Comms Business - Freshwave deploys six new 4G outdoor small cells in Perth 

7. Fibre Systems - Perth takes step forward in digital connectivity with six new outdoor small cells in partnership with O2 and Freshwave 

8. Telecompaper - Freshwave has deployed six new 5G outdoor small centres in Perth 

9. Light Reading - 4G boost for Perth

Media release - Perth takes step forward in digital connectivity with six new outdoor small cells in partnership with O2 and Freshwave 

Residents, businesses, and visitors to Perth city centre will benefit from enhanced mobile coverage from O2 with the deployment of six new 4G outdoor small cells.  

Small cells are technology about the size of a shoe box and used to enhance mobile phone signal in busy areas. Because of their size, they can be attached to existing infrastructure like lamp posts. They relieve demand on the outdoor network, allowing more people to use their phones to call, text or go online at the same time. 

Delivered under an open access agreement between Perth and Kinross Council and connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave, the small cells will boost outdoor mobile signal for O2's customers in key public spaces such as outside Perth Railway Station and on the high street. 

The new 5G-ready outdoor small cells will contribute to Perth's drive to ensure it remains a modern, connected city.  

From boosting day-to-day mobile coverage to supporting digital services for local businesses and public services, the deployment reflects the city's long-term ambition to invest in future-ready digital infrastructure. 

In busy city centres, the large number of people accessing voice and data services on their mobiles can place high demand on the outdoor network. Outdoor small cells installed at street level process some of this demand themselves, enhancing the customer experience.  

Neil Barnes, Mobile Network Operator Account Director at Freshwave, said: "We're proud to be working with Perth and Kinross Council and O2 to enhance connectivity in the city centre. The open access approach helps bring robust mobile coverage to the public, visitors and local businesses, without unnecessarily increasing street clutter. Strong mobile connectivity underpins everything from local commerce to supporting smart city initiatives, and we're pleased to play a part in Perth's journey." 

Councillor Eric Drysdale, Convenor of Perth and Kinross Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: "We are dedicated to making Perth an exceptional place to live, work, visit, and invest. We value O2's investment in our community and are excited to partner with Freshwave to deliver enhanced mobile services to the area, all while expertly managing our city's public spaces. 

"This will help deliver enhanced connectivity that will benefit businesses and residents alike, using technology that people will hardly notice is there. We stage a lot of large-scale events in Perth - such as the Christmas lights switch on - and deploying technology like this will make it easier for people to stay connected during busy times." 

Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: "We're proud to be boosting connectivity in Perth as part of our £700m Mobile Transformation Plan. Customers want fast, reliable coverage wherever they go, and by teaming up with local authorities and partners like Freshwave, we're making that happen."  

Open access agreements allow local authorities to retain control of their street assets, such as lamp posts, while working with different mobile network operators (MNOs) and neutral hosts such as Freshwave. 

Freshwave deploy outdoor small cells on behalf of the MNOs who want to boost community connectivity for their customers. The open access model allows for shared use of street furniture while helping MNOs enhance coverage. 

-ENDS-